10 of my Favorite Yoga Poses [and the Great Things They Do For You]

It’s no secret that I love yoga…it makes everything more awesome, as far as I’m concerned.

Here’s a collection of my favorite poses and how they do a body good. This is also a great vinyasa series, when performed one right after the other!

1. Standing Forward Bend

• Relieves stress
• Stretches hips, hamstrings, and calves
• Strengthens thighs and knees
• Reduces fatigue and anxiety

2. Standing Half-Forward Bend

• Stretches torso
• Strengthens back
• Improves posture
• Stimulates belly

3. Downward Facing Dog

• Increases flexibility and stretches hands, shoulders, calves, hamstrings, and back
• Strengthens legs and shoulders
• Increases energy and relieves stress
• Improves digestion

4. Standing Split from Downward Dog

• Calms the body
• Strengthens glutes
• Stretches thighs and hips
• Relieves depression and fatigue

5. Tricep Pushup (Chaturanga)

• Strengthens triceps, core, and chest

6. Upward Facing Dog

• Improves posture
• Strengthens glutes, back, arms, and wrists
• Stretches chest, shoulders, and abdomen
• Relieves depression and fatigue

7. Crescent Pose

• Stretches shoulders, chest, neck, arms, back, groin, and belly
• Strengthens and stretches thighs, calves, and ankles

8. Warrior II

• Strengthens and stretches legs and ankles
• Stretches chest, groin, and shoulders
• Increases stamina
• Stimulates abs
• Relieves backaches

9. Reverse Warrior

• Stretches torso and back
• Strengthens and stretches torso, groin, and thighs

10. Triangle Pose

• Stretches and strengthens thighs, knees, and ankles
• Stretches hips, groin, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, and spine
• Stimulates abdominal organs
• Helps relieve stress
• Improves digestion
• Relieves backache