Tag: restorative yoga

February 2023 – Asana (Pose) Styles: Yin and Restorative Series

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Asana Styles, Intro Info

Table of contents

Happy February 7, 2023 – Asana Styles: Yin and Restorative Series

purple yogi girl balasana child pose yoga
Balasana – Child’s Pose

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our introduction to the variety of styles of Asana or poses. Although passive Yin and Restorative Yoga is probably a bit easier than our Iyengar style from yesterday, knowing proper alignment is extremely important since they are held for an extended period of time.

Yin Yoga

The concept of Yin is probably familiar to those in the west from “Yin and Yang” (PS Yang actually rhymes with pong, not pang!). Yin and Yang is a concept of complementary opposing forces. Yin represents dark, shade/shadow, feminine, and passive sides. Yang represents light, sun/light, male, and active sides. Yang Yoga Styles include Hot / Bikram Yoga, and Vinyasa is also a very active style. So, we would expect a Yin class to be passive, and the opposite of an active Vinyasa style class. Yin classes are often slow paced, with passive Asanas (poses) held for a longer period of time

Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga is a type of Yin Yoga. This style usually utilizes props to support the body in Asanas (poses) held for very long periods of time, typically 5-10 minutes. Restorative Yoga is typically extremely gentle and safest for Yogis with injuries.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Yin or Restorative series. As I mentioned, Restorative Yoga typically requires a lot of support! I prefer lots of blankets, bolsters, and/or pillow for most restorative poses. Usually, I only use blocks during restorative practice for support under limbs… I prefer couch pillow for my head! So. if you do not have a bolster, you can try a large firm pillow.

Recommended Videos

Beginner Yin Yoga

Restorative Yoga (bolster or large firm pillow required)

Check out a sped-up version the Yin video above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice passive poses held for an extended period of time, often with support from blocks, bolsters, or pillows.

Balasana - wide child's pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink and black lace set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Balasana – Wide Child’s Pose

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

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

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

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

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 with these Yin and Restorative series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

              

Labor Day 2022: Baddha Konasana – Cobbler / Butterfly / Bound Angle Pose

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Grounding Asanas, Holiday
Baddha Konasana – Cobbler Pose

Good morning Yogis! Happy Labor Day to all my US Yogis! When I was first thinking of poses that relate to work for today’s Asana Day, and came up with either Cobbler or Plow. I think Plow / Halasana may be a bit much for some of the Newbie Yogis I know are with us right now, and Cobbler / Baddha Konasana is one of my favorites!

Halasana – Plow Pose

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 Labor Day today, I recommend a Yin or Restorative class, which will use our featured Asana for today, and aid relaxation away from work.

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 one of my favorites – Intermediate Flexibility (30 Minute), which includes both Halasana / Plow and Supta Baddha Konasana / Reclined Goddess or Reclined Bound Angle. I am going to modify Agnistambhasana / Fire Log Pose to Baddha Konasana / Bound Angle Pose to get an extra Cobbler in as well!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Baddha Konasana or Cobbler Pose, or perhaps try an Asana series working into this pose for Labor Day! This is a common pose for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga, especially restorative classes. The upright pose and most variations are all technically Baddha Konasana or literally Bound Angle Pose. However, I think of Bound Angle or Butterfly Pose as sitting straight up, Cobbler Pose as leaning forward over the legs, and Reclined Goddess as laying back in Supta Baddha Konasana. We will talk about how to get into both variations from Baddha Konasana today!

Baddha Konasana – Bound Angle Pose

Baddha Konasana – Cobbler Pose

Feet and Legs – Your legs should be turned out and feet together. Let your knees fall to the ground, as far as is comfortable. If you have tight hips, you may want to put couch pillows under your knees for support. You may want to scoot your feet a bit forward if you bring your torso forward or back into the Reclined Goddess or Cobbler variations of this pose.

Hips – Hips should stay neutral. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out. You may want to sit on a block or couch pillow if you notice rounding in your back or shoulders.

Torso and Head  – Keep your back, neck, and head in a straight line – notice any rounding in lower back or shoulders, and adjust your tail bone. Look straight ahead.

Arms – Gently grab hold around your feet. It may help to scoot your legs forward slightly before trying either variation:
To come into what I envision as the Cobbler variation of Bound Angle / Butterfly Pose, gently walk your hands forward and drape your chest over your legs on an exhale.
To come into Supta Baddha Konasana / Reclined Goddess, use your hands for support as you lean back and rest your back and head on the mat. If comfortable, you can bend your elbows over your head, clasp your hands together, and rest your head in your hands.

If your chest or shoulders are tight, try a block under each arm like below for a more restorative version of Baddha Konasana / Cobbler Pose!

Restorative Variation – Baddha Konasana / Cobbler

PPS If you are comfortable with Baddha Konasana, Halasana and/or variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Baddha Konasana / Cobbler Pose or Halasana / Plow Pose before? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Badha Konasana
YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Halasana

1             
1
Share

August 2022 Yoga Challenge: Virgo Season – Goddess Pose

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama, Holiday

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

Utkata Konasana - standing goddess pose - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors barefoot yoga in the woods
Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose

Good morning Yogis! Today we are learning Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath we covered on the Summer Solstice! If it’s as hot where you are as it is in Colorado today, you may want to try some Sitali again today!

Today is the start of Virgo Season – Happy Birthday Virgo Yogis! We will cover two Asanas today inspired by Virgo – Utkata Konasana / Goddess Pose and Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Goddess Pose.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try the Goddess Asanas inspired by the start of Virgo Season!

Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose

This Goddess Pose is a standing pose. The literal translation from Sanskrit is Fierce Angle Pose, so try to embody a fierce warrior Goddess for this pose! Only come down as far as you are comfortable! Hold for 30-60 seconds.

Feet – Feet should be about 3 – 4 1/2 feet apart, flat on the mat. Turn your toes out to point 45 degrees out to each side.

Legs and Hips – Bend your knees to come into this pose. The full expression is with thighs parallel to the ground, but only come down as far as is comfortable. It is more important to keep your knees over your ankles than to have a deep bend in the leg! Try to keep your hips neutral, but try to keep your booty tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso – Keep a straight back. Take note of your rib cage. If you notice the bottom of rib cage is sticking out, pull back in and down to correct your posture. Next notice your shoulders. Try to gently roll your shoulders back and down, away from your ears. Notice how this helps your chest open.

Arms – Cactus your arms – hold arms up with elbows at 90 degree angles, fingers spread, and palms facing forward.

Head and Neck – Keep your head in line with the rest of your torso, looking straight ahead. Note where your ears are compared to your shoulders. Most of us keep our heads slightly forward. If you notice you are doing this, tuck your chin slightly and gently press back to bring your neck and ears into alignment with your shoulders.

Supta Baddha Konasana – reclined goddess pose

This Asana is called both Reclined Goddess Pose and Reclined Bound Angle Pose, the literal Sanskrit translation. This comfortable passive stretch is a common pose for Restorative Yoga! You can place a couch pillow under the knees, head, or upper body for support. You can place a cushion or block just below your shoulder blades for a more advanced chest-opening. I try to work this pose in near the end of nearly all my longer Asana practices.

Supta Baddha Konasana - reclined bound angle pose reclined goddess - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors yoga in the woods
Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Goddess

Feet and Legs – Your legs should be turned out and feet together. Let your knees fall to the ground, as far as is comfortable.

Hips – Hips should face up to the sky. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso and Head  – Let your back rest or even sink into the ground comfortably in this Asana. Look straight up, and rest your head comfortably on your mat, or perhaps on a pillow.

Arms – Raise your arms above your head on the mat as is comfortable. Keep your shoulders down. Either grab each elbow, or perhaps cactus your arms out to the side.

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

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

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 Goddess pose was for you! Did you try both Asanas? Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

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

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Utkata Konasana
YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Supta Baddha Konasana

1             
1
Share

Meditation June 2022: Yin and Restorative Asana Series

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Asana Styles, Intro Info
purple yogi girl adho mukha svanasana downward facing dog pose yoga
Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Dog

Good morning Yogis! We are at the end of our special Upper Limbs week and special bonus daily meditation month, and will close with one final special meditation practice. Next month we will have a new special feature – stay tuned for tomorrow!

Although the moving meditation of Vinyasa style is most common for Asana classes, I find passive Yin and Restorative Yoga with Asanas held for an extended period to be meditative as well.

Yin is probably familiar to those in the west from “Yin and Yang” (PS Yang actually rhymes with pong, not pang!). Yin and Yang is a concept of complementary opposing forces. Yin represents dark, shade/shadow, feminine, and passive sides. Yang represents light, sun/light, male, and active sides. Yang Yoga Styles include Hot / Bikram Yoga and Vinyasa is also a very active style. So, we would expect a Yin class to be passive, and the opposite of an active / Vinyasa style class. Yin classes are often slow paced, with passive Asanas / poses held for a longer period of time.

Restorative Yoga is a type of Yin Yoga. This style usually utilizes props to support the body in Asanas / poses held for very long periods of time, typically 5-10 minutes. Restorative Yoga is typically extremely gentle and safest for Yogis with injuries.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Yin or Restorative series. As I mentioned, Restorative Yoga typically requires a lot of support! I prefer lots of blankets, bolsters, and/or pillow for most restorative poses. I usually only use blocks during restorative practice for support under limbs… I usually prefer couch pillow for my head! If you do not have a bolster, you can try a large firm pillow.

Beginner Yin Yoga

Restorative Yoga (bolster or large firm pillow required)

Check out a sped-up version the Yin video above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice passive poses held for an extended period of time, often with support from blocks, bolsters, or pillows.

Adho Mukha Svanasana - downward facing dog down dog pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing multicolor star print set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Facing Dog

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

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

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

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 with these Yin and Restorative series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

              

Asanas (Poses): Yin and Restorative Series – Meditation June 2022

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Asana Styles, Intro Info
purple yogi girl adho mukha svanasana downward facing dog pose yoga
Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Dog

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our journey through the Limbs of Yoga to the third limb – Asanas / poses, and we have a bonus meditation month for June. Although the moving meditation of Vinyasa style is most common, I find passive Yin and Restorative Yoga with Asanas held for an extended period to be meditative as well.

Yin is probably familiar to those in the west from “Yin and Yang” (PS Yang actually rhymes with pong, not pang!). Yin and Yang is a concept of complementary opposing forces. Yin represents dark, shade/shadow, feminine, and passive sides. Yang represents light, sun/light, male, and active sides. Yang Yoga Styles include Hot / Bikram Yoga and Vinyasa is also a very active style. So, we would expect a Yin class to be passive, and the opposite of an active / Vinyasa style class. Yin classes are often slow paced, with passive Asanas / poses held for a longer period of time.

Restorative Yoga is a type of Yin Yoga. This style usually utilizes props to support the body in Asanas / poses held for very long periods of time, typically 5-10 minutes. Restorative Yoga is typically extremely gentle and safest for Yogis with injuries.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Yin or Restorative series. As I mentioned, Restorative Yoga typically requires a lot of support! I prefer lots of blankets, bolsters, and/or pillow for most restorative poses. I usually only use blocks during restorative practice for support under limbs… I usually prefer couch pillow for my head! If you do not have a bolster, you can try a large firm pillow.

Beginner Yin Yoga

Restorative Yoga (bolster or large firm pillow required)

Check out a sped-up version the Yin video above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice passive poses held for an extended period of time, often with support from blocks, bolsters, or pillows.

Adho Mukha Svanasana - downward facing dog down dog pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing multicolor star print set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Facing Dog

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

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

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

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 with these Yin and Restorative series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

              

Asana April 2022: Asanas (Poses) – Reclined Asanas

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Intro Info

Good morning Yogis! We are completing a series on different categories of Asanas I use – Seated, Standing, Heart Opener / Backbend, Hip Opener / Forward Bend, Arm Balance, Inversion, Twist, and Reclined. Today we will cover Reclined Asanas. Please note through this series that many of the Asanas can belong to more than one group – for example a seated twist would clearly belong to both Seated and Twist categories, and a reclined twist would belong to both Reclined and Twist.

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

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

BONUS DAILY ASANA CHALLENGE

We are in the middle of a daily Asanas practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For our focus on Reclined Asanas today, I recommend a Yin or Restorative class, which often use passive Reclined Poses.

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. This week I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which includes the beginner version of this pose that I can do! I modify with more advanced versions of poses including full side plank, standard extended side angle, and lowering slowly from plank to Chaturanga Dandasana / Yoga Push-Up… I am still working arm strength to do the Intermediate version of this class!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try any Reclined Asana. Most Reclined Asanas are beginner and restorative poses, which allow passive stretching. There are also Yoga Workouts utilizing Reclined poses, such as Boat to Crab or repeated Bridge Pose for glute and core exercises!

Today I recommend trying a Yoga Workout for Glutes – Boat to Crab (I usually hold for counts of 3 and do 10 reps) or my absolute favorite Reclined Asana – Supta Kapotasana / Reclined Pigeon!

Reclined Asanas

Viparita Karani – Legs up the Wall Pose

Purvottanasana – Reverse Plank

Ananda Balasana – Happy Baby Pose

Matsyasana – Fish Pose

Supta Kapotasana – Reclined Pigeon Pose

Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Bound Angle / Goddess Pose

Navasana – Boat Pose

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana – Bridge Pose

Jathara Parivartanasana – Reclined Twist Pose

 Shavasana – Corpse Pose

Check out more Asanas on Yoga Journal

Want more Yoga Workout Ideas?
Check our Yoga Workouts Board On Pinterest!

Please comment to share your experience! What did you think? Which is your favorite of these Reclined Asanas? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2022 – Asana (Pose) Styles: Yin and Restorative Series

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Asana Styles, Intro Info

Table of contents

Happy February 8, 2022 – Asana Styles: Yin and Restorative Series

purple yogi girl balasana child pose yoga
Balasana – Child’s Pose

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our introduction to the variety of styles of Asana or poses. Although passive Yin and Restorative Yoga is probably a bit easier than our Iyengar style from yesterday, knowing proper alignment is extremely important since they are held for an extended period of time.

Yin Yoga

Yin is probably familiar to those in the west from “Yin and Yang” (PS Yang actually rhymes with pong, not pang!). Yin and Yang is a concept of complementary opposing forces. Yin represents dark, shade/shadow, feminine, and passive sides. Yang represents light, sun/light, male, and active sides. Yang Yoga Styles include Hot / Bikram Yoga, and Vinyasa is also a very active style. So, we would expect a Yin class to be passive, and the opposite of an active Vinyasa style class. Yin classes are often slow paced, with passive Asanas (poses) held for a longer period of time

Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga is a type of Yin Yoga. This style usually utilizes props to support the body in Asanas (poses) held for very long periods of time, typically 5-10 minutes. Restorative Yoga is typically extremely gentle and safest for Yogis with injuries.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Yin or Restorative series. As I mentioned, Restorative Yoga typically requires a lot of support! I prefer lots of blankets, bolsters, and/or pillow for most restorative poses. I usually only use blocks during restorative practice for support under limbs… I usually prefer couch pillow for my head! If you do not have a bolster, you can try a large firm pillow.

Recommended Videos

Beginner Yin Yoga

Restorative Yoga (bolster or large firm pillow required)

Check out a sped-up version the Yin video above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice passive poses held for an extended period of time, often with support from blocks, bolsters, or pillows.

Balasana - wide child's pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink and black lace set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Balasana – Wide Child’s Pose

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

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

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

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

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 with these Yin and Restorative series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

1             
1
Share

August 2021 Yoga Challenge – Virgo Season – Goddess Pose

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama, Holiday

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

Utkata Konasana - standing goddess pose - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors barefoot yoga in the woods
Utkata Konasana – Goddess 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’s as hot where you are as it is in Colorado today, you may want to try some Sitali again today!

Today is the start of Virgo Season – Happy Birthday Virgo Yogis! We will cover two Asanas today inspired by Virgo – Utkata Konasana / Goddess Pose and Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Goddess Pose.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try the Goddess Asanas inspired by the start of Virgo Season!

Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose

This Goddess Pose is a standing pose. The literal translation from Sanskrit is Fierce Angle Pose, so try to embody a fierce warrior Goddess for this pose! Only come down as far as you are comfortable! Hold for 30-60 seconds.

Feet – Feet should be about 3 – 4 1/2 feet apart, flat on the mat. Turn your toes out to point 45 degrees out to each side.

Legs and Hips – Bend your knees to come into this pose. The full expression is with thighs parallel to the ground, but only come down as far as is comfortable. It is more important to keep your knees over your ankles than to have a deep bend in the leg! Try to keep your hips neutral, but try to keep your booty tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso – Keep a straight back. Take note of your rib cage. If you notice the bottom of rib cage is sticking out, pull back in and down to correct your posture. Next notice your shoulders. Try to gently roll your shoulders back and down, away from your ears. Notice how this helps your chest open.

Arms – Cactus your arms – hold arms up with elbows at 90 degree angles, fingers spread, and palms facing forward.

Head and Neck – Keep your head in line with the rest of your torso, looking straight ahead. Note where your ears are compared to your shoulders. Most of us keep our heads slightly forward. If you notice you are doing this, tuck your chin slightly and gently press back to bring your neck and ears into alignment with your shoulders.

Supta Baddha Konasana – reclined goddess pose

This Asana is called both Reclined Goddess Pose and Reclined Bound Angle Pose, the literal Sanskrit translation. This comfortable passive stretch is a common pose for Restorative Yoga! You can place a couch pillow under the knees, head, or upper body for support. You can place a cushion or block just below your shoulder blades for a more advanced chest-opening. I try to work this pose in near the end of nearly all my longer Asana practices.

Supta Baddha Konasana - reclined bound angle pose reclined goddess - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors yoga in the woods
Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Goddess

Feet and Legs – Your legs should be turned out and feet together. Let your knees fall to the ground, as far as is comfortable.

Hips – Hips should face up to the sky. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso and Head  – Let your back rest or even sink into the ground comfortably in this Asana. Look straight up, and rest your head comfortably on your mat, or perhaps on a pillow.

Arms – Raise your arms above your head on the mat as is comfortable. Keep your shoulders down. Either grab each elbow, or perhaps cactus your arms out to the side.

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

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

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 Goddess pose was for you! Did you try both Asanas? Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

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

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Utkata Konasana
YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Supta Baddha Konasana

1             
1
Share

Asanas – Poses – Day 15 – Yin and Restorative Series

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Asana Styles, Intro Info
purple yogi girl adho mukha svanasana downward facing dog pose yoga
Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Dog

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our journey through the Limbs of Yoga to the third limb – Asanas / poses, and we have a bonus meditation month for June. Although the moving meditation of Vinyasa style is most common, I find passive Yin and Restorative Yoga with Asanas held for an extended period to be meditative as well.

Yin is probably familiar to those in the west from “Yin and Yang” (PS Yang actually rhymes with pong, not pang!). Yin and Yang is a concept of complementary opposing forces. Yin represents dark, shade/shadow, feminine, and passive sides. Yang represents light, sun/light, male, and active sides. Yang Yoga Styles include Hot / Bikram Yoga and Vinyasa is also a very active style. So, we would expect a Yin class to be passive, and the opposite of an active / Vinyasa style class. Yin classes are often slow paced, with passive Asanas / poses held for a longer period of time.

Restorative Yoga is a type of Yin Yoga. This style usually utilizes props to support the body in Asanas / poses held for very long periods of time, typically 5-10 minutes. Restorative Yoga is typically extremely gentle and safest for Yogis with injuries.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Yin or Restorative series. As I mentioned, Restorative Yoga typically requires a lot of support! I prefer lots of blankets, bolsters, and/or pillow for most restorative poses. I usually only use blocks during restorative practice for support under limbs… I usually prefer couch pillow for my head! If you do not have a bolster, you can try a large firm pillow.

Beginner Yin Yoga

Restorative Yoga (bolster or large firm pillow required)

Check out a sped-up version the Yin video above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice passive poses held for an extended period of time, often with support from blocks, bolsters, or pillows.

Adho Mukha Svanasana - downward facing dog down dog pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing multicolor star print set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Facing Dog

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

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

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

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 with these Yin and Restorative series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

              

Asanas – Poses – Reclined Asanas

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Intro Info

Good morning Yogis! We are completing a series on different categories of Asanas I use – Seated, Standing, Heart Opener / Backbend, Hip Opener / Forward Bend, Arm Balance, Inversion, Twist, and Reclined. Today we will cover Reclined Asanas. Please note through this series that many of the Asanas can belong to more than one group – for example a seated twist would clearly belong to both Seated and Twist categories, and a reclined twist would belong to both Reclined and Twist.

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

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

BONUS DAILY ASANA CHALLENGE

We are in the middle of a daily Asanas practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For our focus on Reclined Asanas today, I recommend a Yin or Restorative class, which often use passive Reclined Poses.

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. This week I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which includes the beginner version of this pose that I can do! I modify with more advanced versions of poses including full side plank, standard extended side angle, and lowering slowly from plank to Chaturanga Dandasana / Yoga Push-Up… I am still working arm strength to do the Intermediate version of this class!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try any Reclined Asana. Most Reclined Asanas are beginner and restorative poses, which allow passive stretching. There are also Yoga Workouts utilizing Reclined poses, such as Boat to Crab or repeated Bridge Pose for glute and core exercises!

Today I recommend trying a Yoga Workout for Glutes – Boat to Crab (I usually hold for counts of 3 and do 10 reps) or my absolute favorite Reclined Asana – Supta Kapotasana / Reclined Pigeon!

Reclined Asanas

Viparita Karani – Legs up the Wall Pose

Purvottanasana – Reverse Plank

Ananda Balasana – Happy Baby Pose

Matsyasana – Fish Pose

Supta Kapotasana – Reclined Pigeon Pose

Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Bound Angle / Goddess Pose

Navasana – Boat Pose

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana – Bridge Pose

Jathara Parivartanasana – Reclined Twist Pose

 Shavasana – Corpse Pose

Check out more Asanas on Yoga Journal

Want more Yoga Workout Ideas?
Check our Yoga Workouts Board On Pinterest!

Please comment to share your experience! What did you think? Which is your favorite of these Reclined Asanas? Always remember, be kind!

              

Asanas – Poses – Asana Styles – Yin and Restorative Series

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Asana Styles, Intro Info

Table of contents

Happy February 9, 2021 – Asana Styles: Yin and Restorative Series

purple yogi girl balasana child pose yoga
Balasana – Child’s Pose

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our introduction to the variety of styles of Asana or poses. Although passive Yin and Restorative Yoga is probably a bit easier than our Iyengar style from yesterday, knowing proper alignment is extremely important since they are held for an extended period of time.

Yin Yoga

Yin is probably familiar to those in the west from “Yin and Yang” (PS Yang actually rhymes with pong, not pang!). Yin and Yang is a concept of complementary opposing forces. Yin represents dark, shade/shadow, feminine, and passive sides. Yang represents light, sun/light, male, and active sides. Yang Yoga Styles include Hot / Bikram Yoga, and Vinyasa is also a very active style. So, we would expect a Yin class to be passive, and the opposite of an active Vinyasa style class. Yin classes are often slow paced, with passive Asanas (poses) held for a longer period of time

Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga is a type of Yin Yoga. This style usually utilizes props to support the body in Asanas (poses) held for very long periods of time, typically 5-10 minutes. Restorative Yoga is typically extremely gentle and safest for Yogis with injuries.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Yin or Restorative series. As I mentioned, Restorative Yoga typically requires a lot of support! I prefer lots of blankets, bolsters, and/or pillow for most restorative poses. I usually only use blocks during restorative practice for support under limbs… I usually prefer couch pillow for my head! If you do not have a bolster, you can try a large firm pillow.

Beginner Yin Yoga

Restorative Yoga (bolster or large firm pillow required)

Check out a sped-up version the Yin video above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice passive poses held for an extended period of time, often with support from blocks, bolsters, or pillows.

Balasana - wide child's pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink and black lace set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Balasana – Wide Child’s Pose

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

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

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

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

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 with these Yin and Restorative series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

              

World Heart Day – Uttana Shishosana – Extended Puppy / Melting Heart Pose

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Holiday, Self Care

Good morning Yogis! Today is World Heart Day! This holiday was created by the World Heart Foundation 20 years ago to help combat and raise awareness for cardiovascular disease. Please take the time today to consider your heart health, and consider any positive steps you may want to take to improve your heart health such as limiting salt intake, quitting smoking, or scheduling a medical check-up. If you are 40 or over, consider scheduling a lipid panel if you have never had your cholesterol checked. So, for World Heart Day today, we will talk about another new Asana commonly referred to as Melting Heart Pose: Uttana Shishosana (OO-ta-na she-SHOW-sa-nuh) which literally translates as Intense or Extended Puppy Pose.

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 Labor Day today, I recommend a Yin or Restorative class, which will use our featured Asana for today.

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 one of my favorites – Intermediate Flexibility (30 Minute).

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Uttana Shishosana or Melting Heart Pose, or perhaps try an Asana series working into this pose for World Heart Day! This is a common pose for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga, especially restorative classes. This pose is often considered a hybrid between two common favorites: Balasana / Child’s Pose and Adho Mukha Svanasana / Downward Facing Dog. This pose is easiest to enter from Table Top.

Uttana Shishosana – Extended Puppy / Melting Heart Pose

Uttana Shishosana - extended puppy melting heart pose with block - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Uttana Shishosana – Melting Heart / Extended Puppy with Block

Uttana Shishosana – Extended Puppy / Melting Heart Pose

Legs, Hips and Feet – Start in Table Top, with your knees under your hips and feet hip distance apart. Your legs will stay in place as you move into the pose. Hips should stay neutral – try to keep your hips right over your knees! I often end up relaxing back into my hips as I relax into the pose. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso  – Keep your back, neck, and head in a straight line – notice any rounding in lower back, and adjust your tail bone and ribs.

Arms and Head – Start in Table Top, with your hands under your shoulders. To come into Uttana Shishosana, slowly walk your hands forward as far as possible as you bring your chest to the mat. Make sure to keep your shoulders down and back, away from your ears. Rest your forehead or chin on the mat.

Hold this pose for as long is comfortable. Walk your hands back up to Table Top to come out.

Uttana Shishosana - extended puppy melting heart pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Uttana Shishona – Melting Heart Pose

PPS If you are comfortable with Uttana Shishosa, please tag @dailyyogi with your pictures on Instagram!

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

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 or any questions! Have you tried Uttana Shishosana / Extended Puppy Pose before? Always remember, be kind!

1             
1
Share

Labor Day – Baddha Konasana – Cobbler / Butterfly / Bound Angle Pose

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Grounding Asanas, Holiday
Baddha Konasana – Cobbler Pose

Good morning Yogis! Happy Labor Day to all my US Yogis! I was thinking of poses that relate to work for today’s Asana Day, and came up with either Cobbler or Plow. I think Plow / Halasana may be a bit much for some of the Newbie Yogis I know are with us right now, and Cobbler / Baddha Konasana is one of my favorites!

Halasana – Plow Pose

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 Labor Day today, I recommend a Yin or Restorative class, which will use our featured Asana for today, and aid relaxation away from work.

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 one of my favorites – Intermediate Flexibility (30 Minute), which includes both Halasana / Plow and Supta Baddha Konasana / Reclined Goddess or Reclined Bound Angle. I am going to modify Agnistambhasana / Fire Log Pose to Baddha Konasana / Bound Angle Pose to get an extra Cobbler in as well!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Baddha Konasana or Cobbler Pose, or perhaps try an Asana series working into this pose for Labor Day! This is a common pose for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga, especially restorative classes. The upright pose and most variations are all technically Baddha Konasana or literally Bound Angle Pose. However, I think of Bound Angle or Butterfly Pose as sitting straight up, Cobbler Pose as leaning forward over the legs, and Reclined Goddess as laying back in Supta Baddha Konasana. We will talk about how to get into both variations from Baddha Konasana today!

Baddha Konasana – Bound Angle Pose

Baddha Konasana – Cobbler Pose

Feet and Legs – Your legs should be turned out and feet together. Let your knees fall to the ground, as far as is comfortable. If you have tight hips, you may want to put couch pillows under your knees for support. You may want to scoot your feet a bit forward if you bring your torso forward or back into the Reclined Goddess or Cobbler variations of this pose.

Hips – Hips should stay neutral. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out. You may want to sit on a block or couch pillow if you notice rounding in your back or shoulders.

Torso and Head  – Keep your back, neck, and head in a straight line – notice any rounding in lower back or shoulders, and adjust your tail bone. Look straight ahead.

Arms – Gently grab hold around your feet. It may help to scoot your legs forward slightly before trying either variation:
To come into what I envision as the Cobbler variation of Bound Angle / Butterfly Pose, gently walk your hands forward and drape your chest over your legs on an exhale.
To come into Supta Baddha Konasana / Reclined Goddess, use your hands for support as you lean back and rest your back and head on the mat. If comfortable, you can bend your elbows over your head, clasp your hands together, and rest your head in your hands.

If your chest or shoulders are tight, try a block under each arm like below for a more restorative version of Baddha Konasana / Cobbler Pose!

Restorative Variation – Baddha Konasana / Cobbler

PPS If you are comfortable with Baddha Konasana, Halasana and/or variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Baddha Konasana / Cobbler Pose or Halasana / Plow Pose before? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Badha Konasana
YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Halasana

              

Virgo Season – Goddess Pose

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama, Holiday

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

Utkata Konasana - standing goddess pose - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors barefoot yoga in the woods
Utkata Konasana – Goddess 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’s as hot where you are as it is in Colorado today, you may want to try some Sitali again today!

Today is the start of Virgo Season – Happy Birthday Virgo Yogis! We will cover two Asanas today inspired by Virgo – Utkata Konasana / Goddess Pose and Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Goddess Pose.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try the Goddess Asanas inspired by the start of Virgo Season!

Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose

This Goddess Pose is a standing pose. The literal translation from Sanskrit is Fierce Angle Pose, so try to embody a fierce warrior Goddess for this pose! Only come down as far as you are comfortable! Hold for 30-60 seconds.

Feet – Feet should be about 3 – 4 1/2 feet apart, flat on the mat. Turn your toes out to point 45 degrees out to each side.

Legs and Hips – Bend your knees to come into this pose. The full expression is with thighs parallel to the ground, but only come down as far as is comfortable. It is more important to keep your knees over your ankles than to have a deep bend in the leg! Try to keep your hips neutral, but try to keep your booty tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso – Keep a straight back. Take note of your rib cage. If you notice the bottom of rib cage is sticking out, pull back in and down to correct your posture. Next notice your shoulders. Try to gently roll your shoulders back and down, away from your ears. Notice how this helps your chest open.

Arms – Cactus your arms – hold arms up with elbows at 90 degree angles, fingers spread, and palms facing forward.

Head and Neck – Keep your head in line with the rest of your torso, looking straight ahead. Note where your ears are compared to your shoulders. Most of us keep our heads slightly forward. If you notice you are doing this, tuck your chin slightly and gently press back to bring your neck and ears into alignment with your shoulders.

Supta Baddha Konasana – reclined goddess pose

This Asana is called both Reclined Goddess Pose and Reclined Bound Angle Pose, the literal Sanskrit translation. This comfortable passive stretch is a common pose for Restorative Yoga! You can place a couch pillow under the knees, head, or upper body for support. You can place a cushion or block just below your shoulder blades for a more advanced chest-opening. I try to work this pose in near the end of nearly all my longer Asana practices.

Supta Baddha Konasana - reclined bound angle pose reclined goddess - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors yoga in the woods
Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Goddess

Feet and Legs – Your legs should be turned out and feet together. Let your knees fall to the ground, as far as is comfortable.

Hips – Hips should face up to the sky. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso and Head  – Let your back rest or even sink into the ground comfortably in this Asana. Look straight up, and rest your head comfortably on your mat, or perhaps on a pillow.

Arms – Raise your arms above your head on the mat as is comfortable. Keep your shoulders down. Either grab each elbow, or perhaps cactus your arms out to the side.

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

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

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 Goddess pose was for you! Did you try both Asanas? Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

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

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Utkata Konasana
YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Supta Baddha Konasana