Yoga helps you detach and focus on what is happening in your body and your life right now. It also helps to keep your mind calm.
You might not have time to exercise owing to your busy schedule. Yoga has introduced many poses we can practice to develop our strength over time. However, as we age, flexibility in our bodies continues to be a major issue, right?
But what if we said that you can perform some yoga postures in an hour and that doing so will help you become more flexible in general? The poses we’ll show you just need to be performed for a few minutes each day, and they’re actually not that challenging. So, spread your mats now and start with the top 10 yoga asanas for increasing your flexibility.
Dhanurasana – धनुरासन (Bow pose)
The bow pose or Dhanurasana helps to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. It stretches your chest and core while also increasing back flexibility.
How to do it:
Step 1: You should start on your stomach, keeping your legs and hips apart.
Step 2: Your lower ribs should be on the mat, and your palms should also be there.
Step 3: Now, you must crouch and take each ankle with both hands.
Step 4: It’s time to raise your upper body and bring your legs back and up while using your hands to support your legs.
Step 5: You should relax your gluteal and leg muscles to make it easier for your upper and lower body to rise.
Step 6: Be sure to relax your back muscles while keeping your eyes forward-focused.
Upavistha Konasana – उपविष्ठ कोणासन (Wide-angle seated forward bend)
The wide-angle seated forward bend, or Upavistha Konasana, is a popular flexibility pose that is easy to practice. It aids in increasing flexibility in the hamstrings, spine, and shoulder regions.
How to do it:
Step 1: You must sit in Dandasana, the staff posture, with your legs spread out to the sides.
Step 2: Make sure to flex your feet, point your toes upward, and open them up as much as you can.
Step 3: You should move your torso forward for this pose.
Step 4: Try to bend your chin till it reaches the ground while holding your hands out in front of you.
Sucirandhrasana – सुसीरंध्रासन (Eye of the needle pose)
Yoga’s Sucirandhrasana, often known as the “eye of the needle pose,” is excellent for stretching the muscles in your lower back. This posture also provides more flexibility to your knees and hip area.
How to do it:
Step 1: You must keep your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor as you lay on your back.
Step 2: It’s time to cross your left ankle across your torso, hug your left knee to your chest, and put your right foot on the thigh.
Step 3: You must now push your right foot off the ground while relaxing your left knee away from your torso.
Step 4: Now pass your left hand between both of your legs, meeting it at the back of your right thigh.
Step 5: Breathe deeply and relax your left knee to open your hips.
Janu Sirsasana – जानु शीर्षासन (Head to knee)
You must attempt the flexible head-to-knee pose or Janu Sirsasana, which is one of the ideal yoga asanas for beginners looking to improve their flexibility. The pose helps with stretching your hamstrings, spine, and groin all at once.
How to do it:
Step 1: Your legs should be spread wide in front as you sit on a mat.
Step 2: Place your right foot inside your left leg and flex your right knee.
Step 3: Inhale deeply and straighten your left foot. You can do so by bringing the top of the thigh down.
Step 4: Now, slightly turn your upper body to face the left leg.
Step 5: Gently fold it from the hips and extend your arms to grip your ankle in the process.
Marjaryasana – मार्जरासन (Cat-cow)
The cat-cow pose, also known as Marjaryasana, is an excellent posture to warm up your spine. The neck and shoulder regions become more flexible in this position, along with the spine. In addition, the action helps tone the abdomen and hip region.
How to do it:
Step 1: You must be in a tabletop position while standing on all fours for this pose.
Step 2: Just make sure your wrist is under your shoulder, and your knees are squarely beneath your hips.
Step 3: Your finger should be facing forward while you lift your tailbone, neck, and eyes to the ceiling.
Parsvottanasana- पर्श्वोत्तनासन (Intense side stretch)
The intense side stretch pose, also known as Parsvottanasana, can significantly increase your body’s balance and stability if practiced frequently. This position is essential for improving your shoulder and hamstring mobility. Stretching these two body areas will increase your flexibility in daily life.
How to do it:
Step 1: You need to take a step back with your right leg while standing in a mountain stance.
Step 2: Be sure to straighten your hips and turn your right foot out slightly at this point.
Step 3: Your torso must be placed on your left thigh while your hips are bent.
Step 4: Make sure to keep your hands on the ground.
Natarajasana – नटराजासन (King dancer pose)
The King dancer stance, also known as Natarajasana, requires a lot of back bending and strong balance. While it might not be the easiest to hold, it’s one of the yoga asanas that can do wonders for your flexibility. Furthermore, practicing it regularly also improves your core strength and strengthens your legs when executed properly.
How to do it:
Step 1: Simply get to your feet and bend your left knee towards the back.
Step 2: Make sure your left knee is parallel to your midline.
Step 3: Keep your torso upright, and use your left hand to grab the outside of your left foot.
Step 4: You should center yourself by keeping your right hand forward.
Step 5: Go ahead and push your left foot into the left hand to raise your left leg and broaden your backside.
Gomukhasana – गोमुखासन (Cow face pose)
The cow face pose, or Gomukhasana, is one of the best poses for loosening your shoulders. One of the perfect yoga asanas for boosting flexibility, it is a stance that is widely practiced by athletes who need to stretch and become more flexible.
How to do it:
Step 1: Make sure your legs are in front of you and your back is straight as you sit.
Step 2: Place your right foot beneath your left hip while bending your right leg.
Step 3: Put your left knee on top of your right knee next. Your palms should be close to your hips when you stand up.
Step 4: Bend your elbow, and raise your left arm far above your head.
Step 5: Put your right hand behind the back area and then clasp your hands.
Uttanasana – उत्तानासन (Standing forward fold)
Any frequently present officer who must spend a lot of time sitting down can practice the Uttanasana or standing forward fold pose. By fully stretching your spine, this yoga asana contributes to improving your flexibility. Be careful to relax while doing the pose because it helps to stretch your hamstrings and calves.
How to do it:
Step 1: Make sure to maintain a straight spine starting from a standing position.
Step 2: You must ensure your weight is evenly distributed between both feet. Your feet should be kept two inches apart as you fold down with a forward bend from the hips and a flat back.
Step 3: Maintain a straight spine while letting your hands rest next to your feet on the ground.
Halasana – हलासन (Plow pose)
The plow pose or Halasana is known to be beneficial for your general health. Besides helping with improving your memory and concentration power, this asana also relieves stress and helps with backaches and your nervous system. The position stretches your knees and calves while toning your legs, contributing significantly to leg flexibility.
How to do it:
Step 1: Your arms should be on the ground as you lay on your back.
Step 2: Raise your legs to a 90-degree angle and slowly move them behind your head as you exhale.
Step 3: Keep your elbow and shoulders close together.
In the end
Yoga is an excellent way to maintain both physical and mental wellness. And flexibility remains a crucial component of excellent health at any age. Therefore, it should be obvious that you should start practicing yoga right away to enhance your posture and movement patterns.
This is why we’ve listed the most effective yoga asanas for increased flexibility for you. We hope you explore the health benefits of these postures and begin your morning with regular yoga asanas.