Tortoise Pose
Sanskrit Name: Kurmasana
Challenge Level: Very Hard
Tortoise pose is performed by folding the body at the waist and slipping the arms under the legs, which are extended with knees either bent or straight. It is recommended to stay in the pose for 30 to 40 seconds and for roughly five to 10 breaths. This is an important posture in yoga for increasing flexibility, particularly the hips, hamstrings, shoulders and along the spine. Although not a particularly challenging posture, it can be modified for beginners through several variations in which the arms relax alongside the body or extend forward, rather than under the legs.
Categories
Seated Yoga Poses
Seated positions calm the mind and encourage concentration. These are the best postures for practicing breathing techniques, meditation and stillness. When combined with twists or stretches, these poses release muscular knots, improving the flow of energy in the body.
Forward Bend Yoga Poses
Forward bends, also called forward folds, are yoga postures where you hinge forward at your hips. There are many forward folds, both standing and seated, that are commonly practiced in various forms across all styles of yoga. While backbends open the frontside of your body, forward bends open the backside and generally create length throughout. Physically, this improves posture and helps you stand taller.