Four Simple Yoga Exercises That You Should Try

Yoga exercises are ideal for forgetting your day-to-day stress and disconnecting from problems. If you do it well, it provides balance that's difficult to get from other activities.
Four Simple Yoga Exercises That You Should Try

Last update: 29 August, 2018

You might think that yoga exercises aren’t right for you. But you’ll probably change your mind after learning more about this discipline and its benefits. It’s not just about visualizing pretty scenes, breathing deeply, or being flexible. Rather, yoga involves taking care of your entire body; as such, you’ll find many motivating reasons to try these yoga exercises.

Starting out in yoga

There’s always a certain reluctance when starting a new habit or activity. That’s why, when you start doing yoga exercises, you should consider the benefits, what’s involved and how to open up your mind. If stress and the fast pace of everyday life is taking its toll, you could definitely find relief in yoga.

Firstly, you’ll need to keep the following tips in mind.

  • The first exercise doesn’t involve stretching or becoming a human pretzel; it’s related to your mind. When you start yoga, you should keep an open mind to avoid hindering yourself, especially if you start doing a pose that you consider impossible.
  • Furthermore, you don’t need to start out with something complicated; start out with a basic and gentle pose.
  • The second exercise is warming up beforehand. Doing so will prepare your body, joints, and muscles. In addition, it gradually rouses your body.

Things you should know beforehand

If you follow these steps to start doing yoga exercises, you’ll enter a new world, where developing your entire body will change your life.

  1. Create a foundation or goals for practicing yoga.
  2. Remember that there are variations of yoga.
  3. Have the required equipment.
  4. Use appropriate clothing.
  5. Look for a comfortable place that fosters tranquility.
  6. Study a few basic yoga poses.

Four basic yoga exercises

Once you feel ready, you can start with the following poses:

Mountain pose

On your feet, try to elongate your body while separating your legs a little. Relax your shoulders and arms. Then, raise your head and stretch your spine, while taking a deep breath in and then slowly releasing it. Next, lift your arms to your sides. Look up and repeat the breathing.

Standing forward bend

After doing the mountain pose for about 20 seconds, slowly lower your arms, followed by your torso. Your eyes should be at knee-level, with your arms hanging down. Keep your shoulders relaxed and breathe deeply and slowly exhale through your nose. Then, slowly come back up to the mountain pose and repeat.

woman on black background doing standing forward bend yoga exercises

Halfway lift

This pose comes after the standing forward bend. Come up with your head, stretching your entire back until your head is at the same height as your pelvis. Rest your arms on your legs for balance and bend your legs a little. Look forwards and take a deep breath.

Child pose

Slowly lower yourself to the ground onto your knees. Find a resting position where your weight is directed to the center of the earth. In this position, your core should bend forward, at a 110 degree angle.

woman doing child pose in well lit yoga studio

Learning to get started in yoga

In conclusion, the success you achieve in yoga isn’t the result of how good your mat is. The same goes for how comfortable your clothes are or your environment. Sure, these things can help, but the most important aspect is your way of thinking. Therefore, you have to be willing to let go of work, and any home-related worries. During your practice, focus on freeing your mind to find a balance.

Furthermore, if possible, to get started go to a yoga school or class. You’ll need a little patience while you adapt to the practice. Still, it will be a learning curve, but in three or four weeks you’ll know the basics and will be able to practice it at home.

Of course, before starting yoga, you should consult with your physician beforehand. Be sure to mention any physical ailment or injury, and find out whether yoga can help you, or if there are any poses that you should avoid.

Finally, let your spirit flow, relax, and enjoy connecting with your body. You’ll soon see that yoga is right for you.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.