This posture will show if you have any imbalances in your shoulders and give you clues as to what you need to work on. If a pencil is turned a lot, so is your shoulder. A child's posture is a great way to take a break and relax during yoga practice, or any time they feel tired or overwhelmed. This posture is a runners' favorite because it increases hip flexibility and also frees the buttocks and lower back, Lawrence says.
If you've been thinking about trying yoga, but feel a little intimidated after scrolling through Instagram and watching people post pictures of themselves swinging on their hands or sitting with their legs behind their heads, don't stress. Join Outside+ to get the Yoga Journal magazine, access exclusive streams and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. Yoga improves muscle tone, flexibility and balance, and helps you relax and reduce stress, thanks in part to its characteristic pranayama breathing. Familiarizing yourself with these essential yoga poses will boost your confidence, but even if you're an experienced yogi, you'll appreciate having all your favorite yoga poses in one place.
