Asana April 2022: Taurus Season – Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)

Happy Asana April 21, 2022 – Taurus Season – Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are in the start of Taurus Season – Happy Birthday Taurus Yogis! We will cover a new Asana today inspired by Taurus – Gomukhasana (GO-muh-KAH-sa-nuh) or Cow Face Pose. We did just cover Cow Pose or Bitilasana, but I feel Cow Face is a better representative for Taurus: Taurus is ruled by Venus and Venus is the Roman Goddess of Love, and Gomukhasana is an even deeper chest-opener.

tan and white taurus zodiac astrology symbol

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Gomukhasana or Cow Face Pose inspired by the start of Taurus Season! Remember to note which leg is on top, and have your opposite arm raised up behind your head. Always remember to practice this Asana on both sides!

Gomukhasana – Cow Face Pose

Gomukhasana - cow face pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink and black lace set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Gomukhasana – Cow Face Pose

Start in a comfortable kneeling position.

Shift your hips to lean towards the right of your feet. Swing your left leg on top of your right, stacking your knees. Make sure your hip bones both stay grounded evenly. Use your hands to place your legs comfortably and evenly on each side.

Bring your right arm above your head and bend at the elbow between your shoulders. Reach your left arm behind and up, and try to reach your fingers. You will need a lot of mobility to grasp your hands together – consider using a strap to work into this pose or for more targeted shoulder and chest-opening.

Take note of your hips, shoulders, and ears and make sure your back is straight. Breathe deeply into your belly and hold for 30-60 seconds. Remember to practice on both sides!

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Gomukhasana Variation – Shoelace Pose

If traditional Gomukhasana is too difficult on your hips or shoulders, try a more passive variation – Shoelace. Come into Cow Face legs above with knees stacked. Take a deep inhale, and as your exhale, lean your upper body straight forward over your legs. You can walk your hands straight ahead of you, or hold on to each foot. This will focus more on hip opening, and help get more comfortable with this new lower body position.

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Gomukhasana variation - cow face shoelace pose variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink and black lace set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Gomukhasana Variation – Shoelace

Like this yoga set? Click here for product links and discount code!

Want to check out more types of Yoga? Check out our Asana Styles Guide!

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Asana April 2022: Tapas (Discipline) – Utkatasana (Powerful / Chair Pose)

Happy Asana April 15, 2022 – Tapas (Discipline) – Powerful / Chair Pose

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the third of the NiyamasTapas or Discipline and Utkatasana.

Since we are in the middle of an April Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Utkatasana (oot-kah-TA-sa-nuh) or Chair pose is my choice to represent Tapas. This is a challenging pose, and a great workout when held for an extended time. The literal translation from Sanskrit is Powerful or Intense Pose. If you hold this Asana for a full minute, I am sure you will feel why this pose was named “Intense”!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Tapas Day today, I recommend a vigorous Power Yoga class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing a new Hip Hop Vinyasa.

Each Tapas day, we check in on our progress with the daily habits we have set for ourselves. It typically takes 30 Days to set a new habit (which is why I love these 30 Day Challenges!) so if you have kept up on your daily habit you have likely successfully formed a new habit! Congratulations, keep it up.. perhaps it is time to add a new daily habit to your routine!! If you have not kept up, examine why you did not, and consider if you want to keep this goal or set a new one. Evaluate the reminders and/or rewards you set for yourself, and perhaps modify these systems to ensure your success! Yoga is a practice, and successfully changing our habits is about consistency, so we will keep checking in on our goals on Tapas Days.

As mentioned we are in a daily Asana Challenge, which I have kept up with by wearing workout clothes to bed and practicing first thing in the morning. I also have a daily habit of practicing French or Spanish with Duolingo… I am pretty pleased with myself recently passing a 200 Day Streak! I have missed fewer than 20 days in all of 2020, but there is just something very rewarding about the increasing number of days in a row. And, lastly, this daily Asana Challenge has helped put me on the right path to meet another goal – hitting all three rings on my Apple Watch.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Chair Pose for Tapas Day! This pose is common in all styles and levels of Yoga. It is a great alternative to backbends to stretch thighs and back, and is a fantastic workout for legs and glutes when held for 30-60 seconds!

For an off-the-mat practice for Tapas Day – set or check-in on a meaningful daily habit!

Utkatasana – Chair or Powerful Pose

Utkatasana - powerful chair pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Utkatasana – Chair Pose

Start standing in Tadasana / Mountain Pose. Separate your feet to about hip-distance apart.

Inhale and lift your arms above your head, palms facing in, and sit your hips back as if you are sitting back in a chair. Keep your shoulders down and back straight, and try to get your thighs as close to parallel to the ground as possible. It is more important to have a straight back than to “sit” lower into your chair. Look up between your hands if comfortable.

Take deep breaths into your belly (perhaps try Vilona Pranayama) and hold this pose for at least 3-5 full breaths. I recommend playing with weight in your feet a bit through this pose – generally you should keep all weight in your heels. Perhaps try lifting your toes slightly from the mat! Or, shift your weight into the balls of your feet, and try lifting your heels slightly from the mat, preparing for more advanced variations of this pose like Awkward Pose (a Hot Yoga favorite) and Drinking Bird Pose. Or, try placing a block between your knees for an even more challenging lower-body workout!

To come out of Utkatasana, inhale and straighten your knees back to Tadasana / Mountain Pose, then exhale and lower your arms – you may want to come all the way forward into Uttanasana / Standing Forward Fold to counter this pose after holding for a long time.

Utkatasana - powerful chair pose variation - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Utkatasana with toes lifted

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Want more Tapas practices? Check out our Tapas Guide!

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

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February 2022 – Pisces Season: Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Happy February 19, 2022 – Pisces Season: Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is the start of Pisces Season – Happy Birthday Pisces Yogis! PS I am a Pisces rising so this is a special one for me! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Pisces – Matsyasana (maht-SYA-sa-nuh) or Fish Pose. This is a great chest opener and counter-pose for hunching over your desk, but you should avoid this pose if you have neck or shoulder injuries

PS if you would like to finish our week of special Pranayama exercises with a Zodiac-themed breath, try Simhasana Pranayama – Lion’s Breath for Leo.

Matsyasana - fish pose lotus legs intermediate variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing blue fish-scale dragon-scale set doing yoga inside in cool indigo blue studio
Matsyasana – Fish Pose with Lotus Legs

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Fish Pose Asanas inspired by the start of Pisces Season!

Tag @dailyyogi.world with your Fish Pose Pics on Instagram!

blue and white pisces zodiac astrology symbol

Matsyasana – Fish Pose

Matsyasana - fish pose beginner variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing blue fish-scale dragon-scale set doing yoga inside in cool indigo blue studio
Matsyasana – Fish Pose

The full expression Asana is a great full body workout, and is especially great for the core. I usually practice the beginner version of this Asana as a counter-pose to inversions such as Supported Shoulder Stand. The full expression of this pose is with stretched legs, with whole body in a V similar to Navasana or Boat Pose.

You will enter this pose by sitting on the mat in Dandasana or Staff Pose with your hands on the mat. Lean back slightly, place your forearms on the mat under your torso with palms on mat under your hips. Keep the weight of your torso on your arms, and gently lean your head back and rest gently on the mat to come into beginner Matsyasana as above. Hold for 30-60 seconds. To come out, gently press back up to sitting on your forearms, and then roll back down onto the mat.

When you are ready, you can straighten your legs to come into the full expression of this pose below, or fold your legs into lotus legs as above for a hip-opening intermediate version.

PS I have recently been enjoying a new modification for Matsyasana with Supta Badha Konasana Legs rather than Lotus Legs!

Matsyasana - fish pose advanced variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing blue fish-scale dragon-scale set doing yoga inside in cool indigo blue studio
Matsyasana – Fish Pose – Advanced

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.

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Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

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Please comment and let us know how Fish pose was for you! Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

January 2022 30 Day Challenge: Day 20 – Sun Salutations: Chaturanga Dandasana & Dandasana

Happy January 22, 2022 – Asanas (Poses): Chaturanga Dandasana & Dandasana

Good morning Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!

30 Day Challengers

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

Chaturanga Dandasana - four-limbed staff pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink sprinkle print set doing yoga inside in pink and purple yoga studio with artsy effect
Chaturanga Dandasana – Four-Limbed Staff Pose

Like this Yoga set? Click here for product links and discount codes!

Dandasana - staff pose with strap - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Dandasana – Staff Pose

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to go “back to basics” with either Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose or Dandasana / Staff Pose. Either of these Asanas are great foundations for Yoga Workouts – see Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose for an arm workout and Dandasana – Staff Pose for a glute workout!

Sun Salutations Asana – Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose
Twisted/Sister Asana – Dandasana – Staff Pose

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!

You may want to try a strap, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself ease into Dandasana of you have tight hamstrings.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

Share your Practice

Please comment to share your experience! What did you think? Which Asana and yoga workout did you choose to practice today? Always remember, be kind!

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January 2022 30 Day Challenge: Aquarius Season – Navasana (Boat Pose)

Happy January 19, 2022 – Asanas (Poses): Aquarius Season – Navasana (Boat Pose)

Happy Sunday Yogis! Our Challengers are taking a break from the Sun Salutations pose breakdown for Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath we covered on the Summer Solstice! If it is as cold as it is in Colorado today, you may want to try a warming Pranayama such as Bellows Breath again today!

30 Day Challengers

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

purple and white aquarius zodiac astrology symbol

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today is the start of Aquarius Season – Happy Birthday Aquarius Yogis! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Aquarius – Navasana (nah-VA-sa-nuh) or Boat Pose. Remember that Aquarius is the water BEARER, an air sign not a water sign!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Boat Pose Asanas inspired by the start of Aquarius Season!

Ardha Navasana - half boat pose - yoga pose girl from side wearing tie dye shirt with cool purple and blue star background
Ardha Navasana – Half Boat Pose

Tag @dailyyogi.world with your Boat Pose Pics on Instagram!

Navasana – Boat Pose

This Asana is a great full body workout, and is especially great for the core. I practice Ardha Navasana or Half Boat Pose. The full expression of this pose is with stretched legs, with whole body in a V.

You will enter this pose by sitting on the mat in Dandasana or Staff Pose with your hands on the mat. Lean back slightly, tighten your core, and lift and bend your knees, to come into Ardha Navasana as above. Lift arms and lefts to parallel to the floor. Keep shoulders down and back. Hold for 30-60 seconds. To come out, lower your legs back to the mat. I recommend Crab Pose after this Asana to counter, and repeat these two poses for a Yoga Workout!

When you are ready, you can straighten your legs to come into the full expression of this pose below Paripurna Navasana or Full Boat Pose. For an extra leg challenge, put a block or book between your knees!

Paripurna Navasana - full boat pose - yoga pose girl from side wearing black with cool blue light background and scatter art effect
Paripurna Navasana – Full Boat Pose

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

More for Yoga Teachers

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Share your Practice

Please comment and let us know how Boat pose was for you! Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

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Asanas (Poses) – November 2021 Challenge: Day 19 – Chaturanga Dandasana & Dandasana

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

Happy Friday Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!

Sun Salutations AsanaChaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose
Twisted/Sister AsanaDandasana – Staff Pose

Chaturanga Dandasana - four-limbed staff pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Chaturanga Dandasana – Four-Limbed Staff Pose
Dandasana - staff pose with strap - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Dandasana – Staff Pose

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to go “back to basics” with either Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose or Dandasana – Staff Pose. Either of these Asanas are great foundations for Yoga Workouts – see Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose for arm workout and Dandasana – Staff Pose for glute workout!

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!

You may want to try a strap, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself ease into Dandasana of you have tight hamstrings.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

Please comment to share your experience! What did you think? Which Asana and yoga workout did you choose to practice today? Always remember, be kind!

Libra Season – Tolasana (Scales Pose)

Good morning Yogis! Happy Fall! Today is not only the Fall Equinox, but it is also the start of Libra Season – Happy Birthday Libra Yogis! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Libra – Tolasana (toe-LAH-sa-nuh) or Scales Pose. This is one of the few arm balances and advanced poses I can do! I had to try to channel my Libra friend with that smile, which was quite difficult in this challenging Asana.

purple and white libra zodiac astrology symbol

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Tolasana or Scales Pose inspired by the start of Libra Season! The full expression of the bottom half of this pose is from Padmasana or Lotus Pose, but there are variations for both the Lotus Legs and full Arm Balance to make accessible for beginner Yogis. This Asana is a great workout for the arms and core!

Tolasana – Scales Pose

Tolasana - scales pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Tolasana – Scales Pose

Start in either Padmasana or Lotus Pose, or cross your legs and bring one foot on top of the opposite thigh to come into Half Lotus. If neither pose is comfortable, stay in a comfortable cross-legged position.

Place your hands on the mat, palms down and middle fingers pointing straight to the sides and fingers spread. Exhale and press into the mat with your hands, as you contract your core and lift your legs and seat off the mat. If you cannot lift your entire seat off the floor, come into Half Lotus and lift your hips off the ground, using your other foot on the mat for stability. Hold for a few breaths if you can, and slowly lower back to the mat on an exhale. Make sure to flip your feet and practice on both sides!

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Please comment and let us know how Scales pose was for you! Did you try full Lotus Legs? Were you able to lift your seat from the mat? Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

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Tapas (Discipline) – September 2021 – Bakasana – Crow Pose

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the third of the NiyamasTapas or Discipline and Utkatasana.

Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Bakasana (Bah-KAH-sa-nuh) or Crow pose is my choice to represent Tapas. This is a challenging pose, and a great workout when held for an extended time. This is also one of the first arm balances I have been working on. Thank you to our featured Yogi Nick for both his demonstration of Crow Pose and his tips for beginners!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Tapas Day today, I recommend a vigorous Power Yoga class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing a new Hip Hop Vinyasa.

Each Tapas day, we check in on our progress with the daily habits we have set for ourselves. It typically takes 30 Days to set a new habit (which is why I love these 30 Day Challenges!) so if you have kept up on your daily habit you have likely successfully formed a new habit! Congratulations, keep it up.. perhaps it is time to add a new daily habit to your routine!! If you have not kept up, examine why you did not, and consider if you want to keep this goal or set a new one. Evaluate the reminders and/or rewards you set for yourself, and perhaps modify these systems to ensure your success! Yoga is a practice, and successfully changing our habits is about consistency, so we will keep checking in on our goals on Tapas Days.

As mentioned we are in a daily Asana Challenge, which I have kept up with by wearing workout clothes to bed and practicing first thing in the morning. I also have a daily habit of practicing French or Spanish with Duolingo… I am pretty pleased with myself to be on my way to a year of practice!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Crow Pose for Tapas Day! This pose is challenging, but is one of the first Arm Balances many Yogis (including myself) want to add to their practice.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Tapas Day – set or check-in on a meaningful daily habit!

Bakasana – Crow Pose

Bakasana - Crow Pose - yoga pose yoga guy wearing gray and black black doing yoga outside in a grassy yard
Bakasana – Crow Pose

Start sitting on your heels in a kneeling position. Move into a wide squat in Malasana with feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

Bring your torso forward between your knees and place your palms on the mat a bit wider than shoulder width with fingers spread wide. You can keep your arms straight for the traditional version of this pose, or bend your elbows to make a shelf if easier. Bring your knees close to your arms and lift your hips, coming onto your toes.

Slowly lean forward as you engage your core, allowing your feet to lift from the floor. Pause here if you are comfortable. Or, to come into the full expression of the pose, try to bring your knees to your armpits as you draw your heels up towards your seat and round your spine.

PS if you are worried about face-planting, put a block under your forehead!

Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds. To come out, slowly lower your feet to the mat, and press back into Child’s Pose.

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Next INTRO CHALLENGE May 2023

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Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Bakasana or the more advanced variation like Flying Crane before? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Asanas (Poses) Day 7 – August 2021 Yoga Challenge (Day 18) – Chaturanga Dandasana & Dandasana

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

Good morning Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!

Sun Salutations AsanaChaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose
Twisted/Sister AsanaDandasana – Staff Pose

Chaturanga Dandasana - four-limbed staff pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Chaturanga Dandasana – Four-Limbed Staff

Like this Yoga set? Click here for product links and discount codes!

Dandasana - staff pose with strap - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Dandasana – Staff Pose

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to go “back to basics” with either Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose or Dandasana – Staff Pose. Either of these Asanas are great foundations for Yoga Workouts – see Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose for arm workout and Dandasana – Staff Pose for glute workout!

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!

You may want to try a strap, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself ease into Dandasana of you have tight hamstrings.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

Please comment to share your experience! What did you think? Which Asana and yoga workout did you choose to practice today? Always remember, be kind!

Cancer Season – Catuspadapitham Asana – Crab Pose

Good Morning Yogis! Today is the start of Cancer Season – Happy Birthday Cancer Yogis! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Cancer – Crab Pose. This is a great chest opener and counter-pose for forward bends, but you should avoid this pose if you have neck or shoulder injuries. Today is also the Summer Solstice – Happy Summer!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Crab Pose Asanas inspired by the start of Cancer Season!

Tag @dailyyogi.world with your Cancer Pose Pics on Instagram!

blue and white cancer zodiac astrology symbol

Catuspadapitham Asana – Crab Pose

Catuspadapitham Asana - crab pose reverse table tob - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Catuspadapitham Asana – Crab Pose

The full expression Asana is a great chest opener, and is especially great for the core and glutes. I usually practice this as a counter pose after Navasana or Boat Pose. This is also a precursor to the advanced Urdhva Dhanurasana or Wheel Pose.

You will enter this pose by sitting on the mat in Dandasana or Staff Pose if you are coming from Navasana or Boat Pose with your hands on the mat. Bend your arms back and place your hands palm down on the mat just behind your hips – they can face forward or back for this Asana, but make sure to point fingers towards your shoulders if working progression to Wheel. To come up, press into your hands and lift your booty off the ground, then use your core to lift your hips and torso to parallel to the ground. Hold for 2-6 breaths. To come out, lower your back to the mat, then lay legs back out.

Catuspadapitham Asana - crab pose reverse table tob - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Catuspadapitham Asana – Crab Pose

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

Please comment and let us know how Crab pose was for you! Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Asanas – Poses – Day 7 – May 2021 Yoga Challenge – Chaturanga Dandasana & Dandasana

Happy May 22, 2021 – Chaturanga Dandasana & Dandasana

Good morning Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!

30 Day Challengers

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

Sun Salutations Asana – Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose
Twisted/Sister Asana – Dandasana – Staff Pose

Chaturanga Dandasana - four-limbed staff pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink sprinkle print set doing yoga inside in pink and purple yoga studio with artsy effect
Chaturanga Dandasana – Four-Limbed Staff Pose

Like this Yoga set? Click here for product links and discount codes!

Dandasana - staff pose with strap - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Dandasana – Staff Pose

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to go “back to basics” with either Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose or Dandasana – Staff Pose. Either of these Asanas are great foundations for Yoga Workouts – see Chaturanga Dandasana / Four-Limbed Staff Pose for arm workout and Dandasana – Staff Pose for glute workout!

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!

You may want to try a strap, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself ease into Dandasana of you have tight hamstrings.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


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Gemini Season – Partner Yoga – Temple Pose

Happy May 20, 2021 – Partner Yoga & Temple Pose

Good morning Yogis! Our Challengers are taking a break from the Sun Salutations pose breakdown for Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath we covered on the Summer Solstice! If it is as cold as it is in the Colorado mountains today (we have snow for another month!) you may want to try a warming Pranayama such as Bellows Breath again today!

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Temple Pose

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today is the start of Gemini Season – Happy Birthday Gemini Yogis! PS I am a Gemini (sun sign) so this is a special one for me! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Gemini – Temple Pose. Remember that Gemini is twins, so I also want to introduce Partner Yoga! Asanas for a pair of Yogis range from beginner poses like Temple Pose or Lean-On-Me featured today, up to advanced Acro Yoga for two!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Temple Pose Asana (alone or with a friend) or Partner Yoga inspired by the start of Gemini Season!

Tag @dailyyogi.world with your Temple Pose Pics on Instagram!

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Temple Pose

This Asana can be performed solo – against against a wall to still get the ‘Lean-On-Me’ effect, or with hands on hips. I recommend trying solo with hands on hips BEFORE trying as a pair!

You will enter this pose by standing with your legs a bit further than hip-distance apart. Lean forward until your torso is parallel to the floor. Keep shoulders down and back, and keep hips and legs aligned. Hold for 30-60 seconds. To come out solo, tighten your core and stand back up.

If you are performing with a partner, start with hands on each other’s shoulder’s using for support but NOT weight, and slowly walk back into the pose. To come out as a pair, step a bit further back to avoid bumping heads, and come into a forward fold.

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Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

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Please comment and let us know how Temple Pose or Partner Yoga was for you! Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

Taurus Season – Gomukhasana – Cow Face Pose

Happy Asana April 21, 2021 – Taurus Season – Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are in the start of Taurus Season – Happy Birthday Taurus Yogis! We will cover a new Asana today inspired by Taurus – Gomukhasana (GO-muh-KAH-sa-nuh) or Cow Face Pose. We did just cover Cow Pose or Bitilasana, but I feel Cow Face is a better representative for Taurus: Taurus is ruled by Venus and Venus is the Roman Goddess of Love, and Gomukhasana is an even deeper chest-opener.

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Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Gomukhasana or Cow Face Pose inspired by the start of Taurus Season! Remember to note which leg is on top, and have your opposite arm raised up behind your head. Always remember to practice this Asana on both sides!

Gomukhasana – Cow Face Pose

Gomukhasana - cow face pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink and black lace set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Gomukhasana – Cow Face Pose

Start in a comfortable kneeling position.

Shift your hips to lean towards the right of your feet. Swing your left leg on top of your right, stacking your knees. Make sure your hip bones both stay grounded evenly. Use your hands to place your legs comfortably and evenly on each side.

Bring your right arm above your head and bend at the elbow between your shoulders. Reach your left arm behind and up, and try to reach your fingers. You will need a lot of mobility to grasp your hands together – consider using a strap to work into this pose or for more targeted shoulder and chest-opening.

Take note of your hips, shoulders, and ears and make sure your back is straight. Breathe deeply into your belly and hold for 30-60 seconds. Remember to practice on both sides!

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Gomukhasana Variation – Shoelace Pose

If traditional Gomukhasana is too difficult on your hips or shoulders, try a more passive variation – Shoelace. Come into Cow Face legs above with knees stacked. Take a deep inhale, and as your exhale, lean your upper body straight forward over your legs. You can walk your hands straight ahead of you, or hold on to each foot. This will focus more on hip opening, and help get more comfortable with this new lower body position.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Gomukhasana variation - cow face shoelace pose variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink and black lace set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Gomukhasana Variation – Shoelace

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Want to check out more types of Yoga? Check out our Asana Styles Guide!

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

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Tapas – Discipline – Day 5 – 2021 – Utkatasana – Powerful / Chair Pose

Happy Asana April 15, 2021 – Tapas (Discipline) – Powerful / Chair Pose

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the third of the NiyamasTapas or Discipline and Utkatasana.

Since we are in the middle of an April Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Utkatasana (oot-kah-TA-sa-nuh) or Chair pose is my choice to represent Tapas. This is a challenging pose, and a great workout when held for an extended time. The literal translation from Sanskrit is Powerful or Intense Pose. If you hold this Asana for a full minute, I am sure you will feel why this pose was named “Intense”!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Tapas Day today, I recommend a vigorous Power Yoga class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing a new Hip Hop Vinyasa.

Each Tapas day, we check in on our progress with the daily habits we have set for ourselves. It typically takes 30 Days to set a new habit (which is why I love these 30 Day Challenges!) so if you have kept up on your daily habit you have likely successfully formed a new habit! Congratulations, keep it up.. perhaps it is time to add a new daily habit to your routine!! If you have not kept up, examine why you did not, and consider if you want to keep this goal or set a new one. Evaluate the reminders and/or rewards you set for yourself, and perhaps modify these systems to ensure your success! Yoga is a practice, and successfully changing our habits is about consistency, so we will keep checking in on our goals on Tapas Days.

As mentioned we are in a daily Asana Challenge, which I have kept up with by wearing workout clothes to bed and practicing first thing in the morning. I also have a daily habit of practicing French or Spanish with Duolingo… I am pretty pleased with myself recently passing a 200 Day Streak! I have missed fewer than 20 days in all of 2020, but there is just something very rewarding about the increasing number of days in a row. And, lastly, this daily Asana Challenge has helped put me on the right path to meet another goal – hitting all three rings on my Apple Watch.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Chair Pose for Tapas Day! This pose is common in all styles and levels of Yoga. It is a great alternative to backbends to stretch thighs and back, and is a fantastic workout for legs and glutes when held for 30-60 seconds!

For an off-the-mat practice for Tapas Day – set or check-in on a meaningful daily habit!

Utkatasana – Chair or Powerful Pose

Utkatasana - powerful chair pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Utkatasana – Chair Pose

Start standing in Tadasana / Mountain Pose. Separate your feet to about hip-distance apart.

Inhale and lift your arms above your head, palms facing in, and sit your hips back as if you are sitting back in a chair. Keep your shoulders down and back straight, and try to get your thighs as close to parallel to the ground as possible. It is more important to have a straight back than to “sit” lower into your chair. Look up between your hands if comfortable.

Take deep breaths into your belly (perhaps try Vilona Pranayama) and hold this pose for at least 3-5 full breaths. I recommend playing with weight in your feet a bit through this pose – generally you should keep all weight in your heels. Perhaps try lifting your toes slightly from the mat! Or, shift your weight into the balls of your feet, and try lifting your heels slightly from the mat, preparing for more advanced variations of this pose like Awkward Pose (a Hot Yoga favorite) and Drinking Bird Pose. Or, try placing a block between your knees for an even more challenging lower-body workout!

To come out of Utkatasana, inhale and straighten your knees back to Tadasana / Mountain Pose, then exhale and lower your arms – you may want to come all the way forward into Uttanasana / Standing Forward Fold to counter this pose after holding for a long time.

Utkatasana - powerful chair pose variation - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Utkatasana with toes lifted

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Want more Tapas practices? Check out our Tapas Guide!

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

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