Top 7 Gentle Yoga Poses You Can Try Right Now

Written by Ramya Achanta
Last Updated on

Do you think you are not flexible enough? Then, hey, join the club. A lot of factors affect your flexibility, and if you are avoiding yoga because you lack it, that’s just foolishness.

The whole point of yoga is to loosen rigid muscles and become fluid. Then, how does it make sense to avoid yoga?

Do not. Instead, try Gentle Yoga, an easy method that warms up tense muscles. Start with the following 7 Gentle Yoga poses. Go on.

Before that, let’s first learn about Gentle Yoga.

What Is Gentle Yoga?

True to its name, Gentle Yoga is a smooth and calming process that focuses on breath and tuning into the body. In Gentle Yoga, you concentrate on stretching your body and stilling your mind instead of displaying strength, flexibility, or the want to burn calories.

Gentle Yoga is about becoming aware of your body instead of simply trying to put your leg behind the head. When you are gentle with the manner you handle things, it feels better, right? The same applies to your body.

Every day, your body is put through a lot and suffers wear and tear. Junk food and pollution only make it worse. Gentle Yoga acts as a balm for all these problems. Therefore, the practice is good for all and not just for pregnant women and older people.

Gentle Yoga involves feeling your body as it moves and building a sound mind that can control the body. In each pose, you will feel bliss and equilibrium. So, while you are at it, enjoy the pose without worrying about time or competition.

Here are a few poses that will help you understand the concept better. Take a look.

Gentle Yoga Poses

  1. Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose)
  2. Bitilasana (Cow Pose)
  3. Upavistha Konasana (Seated Angle Pose)
  4. Ananda Balasana (Blissful Baby Pose)
  5. Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose)
  6. Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclining Twist Pose)
  7. Supta Badha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)

1. Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose)

About The Pose: Virabhadrasana II or the Warrior II Pose is named after the great mythical warrior Virabhadra, who was created by Lord Shiva. The pose is a representation of the inner warrior within each of us. Virabhadrasana II is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach. Hold the pose for 30 seconds.

Benefits: Virabhadrasana II stretches your ankles, feet, and legs. It opens your lungs and builds stamina. The pose energizes tired limbs and develops balance. It is therapeutic for sciatica.

To know more about the pose and how to do it, click here: Virabhadrasana II

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2. Bitilasana (Cow Pose)

2. Bitilasana-(Cow-Pose)
Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: The Sanskrit word ‘bitila’ means cow in English. The pose is named so because it looks like the stance of a cow. Bitilasana is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. It works best when you practice it in the morning on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds.

Benefits: Bitilasana stretches your neck and chest and increases the flexibility of your spine. It increases the blood circulation in your body. It also stretches your front torso and massages the abdominal organs.

To know more about the pose and how to do it, click here: Bitilasana

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3. Upavistha Konasana (Seated Angle Pose)

3. Upavistha-Konasana-(Seated-Angle-Pose)
Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Upavistha Konasana or the Seated Angle Pose is good practice for more advanced seated bends and twists. The pose is an intermediate level Hatha yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach or evening after a gap of 4 to 6 hours from your last meal. Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds.

Benefits: Upavistha Konasana stretches the inner and outer sides of your legs. It calms your nervous system, opens your hips, and strengthens your core. The pose also reduces constipation.

To know more about the pose and how to do it, click here: Upavistha Konasana

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4. Ananda Balasana (Blissful Baby Pose)

4. Ananda-Balasana-(Blissful-Baby-Pose)
Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Ananda Balasana or the Blissful Baby Pose resembles a child happily lying down on the bed. Babies are usually in this stance before they begin to crawl or walk. Ananda Balasana is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Keep your tummy empty before practicing the pose. Hold it for 30 seconds.

Benefits: Ananda Balasana releases the stress trapped in the back. It opens your inner thighs and groins, strengthens your biceps, and relaxes your sacrum.

To know more about the pose and how to do it, click here: Ananda Balasana

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5. Viparita Karani (Legs Up The Wall Pose)

5.-Viparita-Karani-(Legs-Up-The-Wall-Pose)
Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Viparita Karani or the Legs Up The Wall Pose is the solution to all problems. It is a slight inversion, and many scriptures mention it to have numerous benefits. The pose is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Practice Viparita Karani on an empty stomach and clean bowels. Hold it for 5 to 10 minutes.

Benefits: Viparita Karani reduces menstrual cramps. It improves digestion and stretches the back of your neck. It also reduces insomnia and keeps wrinkles at bay. The pose repairs eye and ear problems.

To know more about the pose and how to do it, click here: Viparita Karani

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6. Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclining Twist Pose)

6.-Supta-Matsyendrasana-(Reclining-Twist-Pose)
Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Supta Matsyendrasana or the Reclining Twist Pose is a restorative supine pose. It is named after the king of fishes, Matsyendra. The pose is a beginner level Hatha yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach or the evening after a gap of 4 to 6 hours from your last meal. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.

Benefits: Supta Matsyendrasana helps remove toxins from the body. It stimulates your internal organs and rejuvenates your body. The pose stretches your lower back, abdomen, and hips.

To know more about the pose and how to do it, click here: Supta Matsyendrasana

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7. Supta Badha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)

Supta-Badha-Konasana-(Reclining-Bound-Angle-Pose)
Image: Shutterstock

About The Pose: Supta Baddha Konasana or the Reclining Bound Angle Pose is a supine asana that is deeply relaxing. The pose is a beginner level Vinyasa yoga asana. Practice it in the morning on an empty stomach or evening after a gap of 4 to 6 hours from your last meal. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds.

Benefits: The pose lowers blood pressure and muscle tension. It relieves fatigue and reduces nervous tension. The pose increases your energy levels and will save you from panic attacks.

To know more about the pose and how to do it, click here: Supta Badha Konasana

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Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions

How many times a week should I practice Gentle Yoga?

Practice Gentle Yoga every day.

What should I wear to do Gentle Yoga?

Wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to twist and stretch.

Gentle Yoga has the effect of going to a spa and getting a therapeutic massage. When you can do the same at home by practicing the Gentle Yoga asanas mentioned above, why spend oodles of money at the spa? Get your yoga mat and begin Gentle Yoga to see the results for yourself. Happy practicing!

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