If you're like most people, you probably want to start your day off on the right foot. That's why creating a morning routine is so important. And what better way to do that than by incorporating some yoga poses into your routine?
In this article, we'll show you 10 yoga poses that are perfect for creating your ideal morning routine.
What are the best morning yoga poses?
Here are 10 of the best yoga poses for the morning, including how to do each one and what benefits they offer:
1. Downward-Facing Dog Pose
This classic yoga pose is a great way to start your morning. It stretches and lengthens the spine, while also strengthening the arms and legs. It can also help to relieve back pain.
To do the Downward-Facing Dog Pose:
Start on your hands and knees, with your hands placed directly under your shoulders.
As you exhale, lift your knees off the floor and straighten your legs, coming into an upside-down "V" shape.
Keep your feet hip-width apart and your heels lifted off the floor.
Press your palms to the floor and your fingers spread wide.
As you inhale, begin to lift your hips up and back, lengthening your spine.
Keep your knees slightly bent if you can't straighten them completely.
Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then release back to your hands and knees.
2. Cobra Pose
Cobra Pose is a great way to open up the front body, including the chest and shoulders. It can also help to relieve back pain.
To do the Cobra Pose:
Lie on your stomach with your feet hip-width apart and your palms flat on the floor beside your chest.
As you inhale, begin to straighten your arms and lift your chest off the floor, coming into an upward-facing dog position.
Keep your hips on the floor and your legs straight.
Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then release back to the floor.
3. Cat-Cow Pose
This pose is a great way to warm up the spine. It also massages the organs and can help to relieve stress and anxiety.
To do the Cat-Cow Pose:
Start on your hands and knees, with your hands placed directly under your shoulders.
As you inhale, arch your back and look up toward the ceiling, coming into a cow position.
As you exhale, round your back and tuck your chin to your chest, coming into a cat position.
Alternate between the two positions with each breath for 10-20 breaths.
4. Triangle Pose
The triangle pose is a great way to stretch the sides of the body, including the obliques, hips, and shoulders. It can also help to improve digestion and relieve stress.
To do the Triangle Pose:
Start in Warrior II Pose, with your feet about 3-4 feet apart and your front leg bent at a 90-degree angle.
As you exhale, extend your arms out to either side in line with your shoulders, then rotate your front foot so your toes are pointing toward the side of the room.
As you inhale, begin to reach your front hand down toward your ankle, keeping your back hand extended toward the ceiling.
You can either place your hand on your ankle, shin, or a block placed on the floor beside your front leg.
Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then release and repeat on the other side.
5. Half Camel Pose
This pose is a great way to open up the chest and shoulders. It can also help to improve posture and relieve stress and anxiety.
To do the Half Camel Pose:
Start in a kneeling position with your feet hip-width apart and your knees directly under your hips.
Place your hands on your lower back, fingers pointing down.
As you inhale, begin to arch your back and lift your chest toward the ceiling.
Keep your hips in line with your knees and press your palms into your lower back for support.
Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then release and repeat 2-3 times.
6. Bridge Pose
Bridge Pose is a great way to stretch the front body, including the chest, shoulders, and neck. It can also help relieve back pain.
To do the Bridge Pose:
Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your arms by your sides.
As you inhale, press into your feet and lift your hips off the floor, coming into a bridge position.
Keep your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart.
Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then release and repeat 2-3 times.
7. Seated Forward Bend Pose
This pose is a great way to stretch the back body, including the hamstrings and lower back. It can also help to relieve stress and anxiety.
To do the Seated Forward Bend Pose:
Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you.
As you inhale, lengthen your spine and lift your chest toward the ceiling.
As you exhale, begin to hinge at the hips and reach your chest toward your thighs.
You can either place your hands on your thighs or grab your ankles.
Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then release and repeat 2-3 times.
8. Child’s Pose
This is a resting pose that can be used at any time during your practice. It is especially helpful when you are feeling fatigued or need to calm your mind.
To do Child’s Pose:
Start on your hands and knees, with your knees hip-width apart and your hips in line with your knees.
As you exhale, begin to sit back on your heels and walk your hands forward until they are in front of you.
Rest your forehead on the floor and let your arms extend straight out in front of you, palms facing down.
Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, then release and repeat 2-3 times.
9. Corpse Pose
This is another resting pose that can be used at any time during your practice. It allows the body to fully relax and can help to calm the mind.
To do the Corpse Pose:
Lie on your back with your legs extended straight out in front of you and your arms by your sides.
Allow your whole body to relax on the floor and close your eyes.
Hold the pose for 5-10 minutes, then slowly roll onto one side and press up into a seated position.
10. Legs Up the Wall Pose
This is a restorative pose that can be used at any time during your practice. It helps to relieve stress and fatigue, and can also improve circulation.
To do the Legs Up the Wall Pose:
Sit with your right side against a wall, then swing your legs up the wall so your hips and lower back are resting against the wall.
You can either place your hands on your belly or let them rest by your sides.
Hold the pose for 5-10 minutes, then slowly roll onto one side and press up into a seated position.
The Bottom Line
Yoga is a great way to start your day and create a healthy morning routine. These 10 yoga poses are a great way to get started.
If you're looking to change up your morning routine, yoga is a great option. These 10 poses are a great way to start your day and get your body moving. They're also a great way to relax and focus on your breath. Give them a try and see how they work for you.
