Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. It is an excellent way to improve flexibility, strength, and balance while reducing stress and anxiety. Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are now many different styles and variations to choose from. One of the latest trends in yoga is the use of infrared heating.

Yoga is a powerful tool that can help you improve your physical and mental well-being. One area where yoga can be particularly effective is in relieving tension and pain in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. These areas are prone to tension and discomfort due to poor posture, stress, and repetitive movements. Fortunately, yoga offers a variety of poses and practices that can help alleviate this discomfort and improve overall upper body strength and flexibility.

Yoga is an ancient practice that offers numerous benefits for the mind and body. One area that can greatly benefit from a regular yoga practice is the hips. The hips are an area of the body that can become tight and stiff due to prolonged sitting and lack of movement. In this article, we will explore a gentle and yin yoga sequence for healthy hips.

Yoga is a wonderful practice that can help you develop strength, flexibility, and inner peace. One aspect of yoga that many people find particularly beneficial is the practice of backbends. Backbends can help to open up your chest and shoulders, improve your posture, and increase your overall sense of well-being. In this article, we'll explore a short yoga backbend sequence that you can practice at home.

Yin yoga is a relatively new style of yoga that has gained popularity in recent years. Unlike more dynamic styles of yoga, yin yoga emphasizes slow, passive stretching and poses that are held for longer periods of time. In this article, we'll explore the history and practice of yin yoga, and what makes it unique among other styles of yoga.

Vinyasa yoga is a popular form of yoga that is often characterized by its flowing sequences of poses that are linked together by movement and breath. One of the key components of this practice is the use of Ujjayi breathing, a specific technique that involves breathing deeply through the nose while constricting the back of the throat to create a soft, whispering sound.

Sun Salutation B, also known as Surya Namaskara B, is a more vigorous and challenging sequence than Sun Salutation A, and it is also a strong influence of modern Vinyasa Yoga. It is often practiced after Sun Salutation A and includes additional postures to further warm up and prepare the body for the more demanding asanas of the Traditional Ashtanga Primary Series.

Sun Salutation A, also known as Surya Namaskara A, is a foundational sequence in Vinyasa Yoga. It is a series of postures that are performed in a fluid, dynamic sequence, traditionally at the beginning of an Ashtanga yoga practice.

Sukhasana, also known as the Easy Pose, is a classic yoga pose that is commonly practiced for meditation and relaxation. The name "Sukhasana" comes from the Sanskrit words "sukha," which means "pleasant," and "asana," which means "pose." In this pose, the body is seated in a comfortable, cross-legged position, with the spine upright and the hands resting on the knees or in the lap. Sukhasana is considered a simple and accessible pose that can be practiced by people of all ages and abilities.

Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga is a powerful, energetic form of yoga where students fluidly move from one pose to the next while connecting their breathing to their movements. This type of yoga incorporates strength, flexibility, balance, cardio and physical and mental stamina in one session creating the perfect blend of sweat and serenity.

This class is ideal for those with some yoga experience and who are looking for a challenging yoga practice. Generally, this class is appropriate for those free of acute injuries.

Lucy Greeves is a writer and yoga teacher. In addition to her regular studio classes and workshops, she leads Yoga for Writers residential retreats for the Arvon Foundation. She writes on yoga and meditation for Planet Mindful magazine. Her previous books include The Naked Jape (Michael Joseph, 2006).

About Lucy's book 'Curious Yoga Poses'

About the book:

Deepen your practice and discover the myths, gods, sacred animals and imagery that lie hidden in your favourite yoga posture.

Meet the monks and maharajas, gods and gymnasts who shaped yoga as we know it.

Have you ever wondered why yoga postures look the way they do, or how they got their names? From Lotus to Warrior, Cobra to Happy Baby, this book takes a fresh look at the stories behind 30 familiar poses.

By drawing in on Hindu scripture, mythology and the animals, birds and flowers the original Indian yogis saw around them, Curious Poses explores the symbolism of yoga postures many of us practise every week and offers inspiration to regular...

Wind down the day with long-held yin stretches during the first part of class. End with a deeply restorative yoga nidra practice.

Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga with postures, or asanas, that are held for longer periods of time—for beginners, it may range from 45 seconds to two minutes; more advanced practitioners may stay in one asana for five minutes or more.

Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, fascia, and ligaments—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility.

Yoga Nidra, also known as yoga sleep, is a systematic deep relaxation practice that is accessible to all levels. It can help reduce stress, anxiety and help those who suffer from insomnia. Nidra is typically practiced lying down, though students can do it seated or in a supported restorative pose. As your body and mind rest, you open up new pathways in the mind for greater self-awareness and creativity. Scroll down to watch!

Slow Flow is a therapeutic style with a meditative pace, longer holds and linking breath and movement.

The inclusion of common postures and slower movements allow students to build confidence and familiarity. Longer holds in standing and balancing postures offer the opportunity to refine the fundamentals and explore deeper sensations over time.