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Yoga 101: Poses for Beginners

By , The editors of FITNESS magazine
New to yoga? Try these basic yoga poses to get stronger and more flexible.
 
Mountain Pose
  • Stand tall with feet together, shoulders relaxed, weight evenly distributed through your soles, arms at sides.
  • Take a deep breath and raise your hands overhead, palms facing each other with arms straight. Reach up toward the sky with your fingertips.

Downward Dog
  • Start on all fours with hands directly under shoulders, knees under hips.
  • Walk hands a few inches forward and spread fingers wide, pressing palms into mat.
  • Curl toes under and slowly press hips toward ceiling, bringing your body into an inverted V, pressing shoulders away from ears. Feet should be hip-width apart, knees slightly bent.
  • Hold for 3 full breaths.  
For more yoga poses from Fitness Magazine, click here.
 
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What is your experience with yoga? What poses will you try?