Overdone Yoga Poses

1:40 PM

Yoga Poses You Love to Hate

1.  Adho Mukha Shvanasana/Downward Facing Dog



Photo: tumblr

My yoga instructor loves this (we do it about 5 times each and every class).  The benefits, including strengthening of the back, increased full-body circulation, and decreased anxiety, out weigh my hate for how much we actually do this pose.  I usually plunge right into a child's pose immediately after (you know, because my arms need to recover!).

Photo: atomicballroom.com

This is definitely how I probably look when doing downward facing dog, maybe a good thing.

2. Utkatasana/Chair Pose

Photo: Health.com

"Make sure you can see your toes!" Gotcha! Thanks, yoga instructor.  This pose is so overdone you'll be a master at it in no time.  If you want toned leg muscles, stability in the knees, and strengthened quads and gluteals, then this pose is for you.

3. Supta Baddha Konasana/Reclining Bound Angle Pose

Photo: soulmotivation.com

I'm only a little tired of this pose because it stretches your inner thighs, which for me seems like it's opening my hips more, NO THANKS.  But you know, when everybody in class is doing it and you're the only one not doing it the peer pressure is on.  This is a great restoration pose, relieving symptoms of stress, improving mobility in the digestion organs, and relaxes your mind.  Looks awkward but hey!

4. Salamba Sarvangasana/ Supported Shoulder Stand

Photo: health.com

The shoulder stand used to be one of my most overdone poses ever!  I have recently changed yoga instructors and we never do it anymore so I have a love/hate relationship with it.  For me, a shoulder stand works better for my core muscles when I don't use my hands for support.  The benefits include toned gluteus, back, abdominals, and thigh muscles...  Do this one every day!

5. Utthita Hasta Padangustasana/Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose

Photo: ihanayoga.com

I am definitely jealous of anyone who can pull this off. I can hold it for less than 30 seconds and then I have to bend my knees.  Practice makes perfect!  This pose is great for strengthening the legs and ankles, increasing flexibility, and improving balance. This is also a hip opener.

You Might Also Like

0 comments

Popular Posts

Like us on Facebook

Flickr Images