Simple yoga instructions

Yoga is very spiritual but also acts as a good form of exercise as it can help tone up your entire body if done correctly. It was generally associated with the East, however, it has become popular with the rest of the world over the last few years as the benefits continue to show. It is fairly easy to begin learning as the positions start at quite a basic level, below are some simple yoga positions that can help you begin learning:

The child pose - This is one of the most simple positions to learn. You start by kneeling with your bum resting on your heels with the rest of you sat up straight facing forwards. Then breathe out through your mouth while pushing your hands out in front of you along the floor (palms to the ground), then rest your fore head on the floor and swoop your arms back slowly so they are resting along either side of your feet (palms facing up). Then simply hold that pose for 1-2 minutes and then return to your kneeling position sat upright with your hands resting on your thighs. Repeat this procedure at least one more time.

The mountain pose - This move is slightly more difficult than the child pose, although not by much. You start by standing completely straight with your feet together you then separate your feet to the distance a little further than your shoulders. You then raise your arms up from the shoulders in level with the ground (this with your palms facing the ground) so they are straight. Then slowly turn your upper body to your left while breathing out slowly, bend at the waist bringing your right hand to the outside of your left ankle. Your left arm should be held straight up while holding this pose and your legs should have remained straight. Then simply turn your head up to see the end of your finger tips on your left hand, slowly stand up and repeat the process with the other side.

The powerful pose - This is of similar difficulty to the mountain pose. Start by sitting on the floor with your legs together stretched straight out in front of you. Sit with your palms resting on your thighs then push them out in front of you parallel to the floor whilst exhaling. Then keeping your arms straight bring them straight up over your head and start putting them as far behind your back as is comfortable. While inhaling lift up your head to look at your hands hold this position for a few seconds. Bend at the waist and grab your toes on both feet with your hands (if you can't reach your toes then your ankles). Then bring your head down towards your knees touching them with it if you can, keep your legs straight through out. Then hold this position for the length of time it takes for you to exhale slowly, then slowly bring your arms back up and your head so you are in the first position of sitting on the floor with your legs straight in front of you again.

There are many centres through out the country that provide lessons in the ancient art of Yoga, if you are interested there are many that advertise online and in local sports centres. Once learnt it can, with the right diet, help you become extremely healthy if learnt correctly.