5 yoga poses every woman should practice

Danielle Collins, a face yoga expert who is lists out top 5 yoga poses that every woman should incorporate into her daily exercise regimen.

 From a teenager to becoming a mother, menopause and old age women go through different phases of life with many bodily changes. The physical postures combined with the breathing techniques in yoga can offer women with many potential health benefits. In order to stay fit and flexible all the time, Danielle Collins, a face yoga expert who is also a believer and practitioner of yoga, Pilates and well being, lists out top 5 yoga poses that every woman should incorporate into her daily exercise regimen.

I would recommend a balance pose, a twist pose, a forward bend/inversion pose, a back bend and a side bend for women.

Back bend: Camel pose

The camel pose is excellent for strengthening the spine, opening the chest and toning the thighs. If you spend a lot of time sat down, it is a great pose to move the spine in the opposite direction, therefore giving you better posture in everyday life. Only attempt the pose if you know your back is strong enough. Here are some more yoga asanas for upper body strength.

Side bend: Triangle pose
If you are keen to tone up your waist, have more flexible hamstrings and reduce tension in your shoulders, then add triangle pose to your daily routine. Hold on each side for five breaths or more and you will soon be enjoying a more streamlined, relaxed body. Also, read 

Balance pose: One leg standing balance

Balance is essential for good health. It takes practice but it is worth the effort. It can prevent falls, improve sporting performance and holding balance poses can improve core and lower body strength. Try focusing on one point in front of you tostablilise you and to allow you to hold the pose longer. To challenge yourself further, try closing one eye or both eyes. For an easier alternative, practise against a wall. Here are

Twist pose: Sitting spinal twist

Bring yourself gently into the posture as shown in the picture. Then, slowly rotate your spine to look over the shoulder where the arm is behind the back. Think about lengthening the spine as well as twisting it. Hold here for five breaths and then repeat the other side. This pose is excellent for releasing any tension in the muscles in either side of the spine. It is also a great detox pose as it boosts blood circulation and helps the lymphatic system remove toxins. It is perfect to do the morning. Here are 7 yoga tips for a happy pregnancy.

Forward bend/inversion pose: Downward facing dog

Start on hands and knees, then lift your bottom into the air and tuck your toes under. Adjust your legs until comfortable and look towards your knees. If your legs are tight lift alternate heels up to release the hamstrings. This pose is one of the most common poses in yoga and is excellent for quickly releasing tight hamstrings, calves and back. Try these yoga asanas