Back to Basics Series Links

I practice and teach alignment-based yoga. In the Back to Basics series, I’m sharing the key points of alignment for the most commonly practiced yoga poses.

Poses of the Traditional Surya Namaskar (sun salutation):

I prefer to begin and end my sun salutes in downward facing dog. Then, I flow through them in the order below. I like to move very slowly and linger in each pose for several breaths. I complete an even number, so as to practice the lunge equally on both legs. You can also add a child’s pose at the end of each round or the completion of your sun salutations.

• Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog pose)
• Chaturanga (high and low plank)
• Bhujangasana (cobra pose)
• Anjaneyasana (lunge pose)
• Uttanasana (standing forward bend pose)
• Tadasana (mountain pose)

Standing Poses

• Utthita Trikonasana (extended triangle pose)
• Ardha Chandrasana (half moon pose)
• Virabhadrasana II (warrior II pose)
• Utthita Parsvakonasana (extended side angle pose)
• Virabhadrasana I (warrior I pose)
• Parsvottanasana (intense side stretch pose)
• Vrksasana (tree pose)
• Virabhadrasana III (warrior III pose)

Backbends

• Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose)

Inversions

• Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand)

Twists

• Bharadvajasana (simple seated twist)
• Jatara Parivartanasana (lying revolved belly pose)

Restorative Poses

• Basic Relaxation with the Legs Elevated
• Salamba Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (supported bridge pose)
• Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall pose)
• Salamba Baddha Konasana (supported bound angle pose)

Savasana (Relaxation)

I know it may seem like a lot, but 20 minutes is the minimum amount of time I suggest you allow for relaxation. (I personally practice a 30 – 40 minute Savasana). I believe this pose, more than any other on the mat, has the greatest power to rock your world! But, it takes the average person about 15 minutes just to get relaxed. So, I suggest 20 minutes so you can actually enjoy the feeling of being relaxed for 5 minutes.

• Savasana (relaxation pose)

Other Poses You’d Like To See?

I’ll regularly be adding poses to this series. So, if there is a particular pose you’d like me to include, please let me know in the comments or contact me here.