What is yoga asana?

Asana is the term for the physical yoga postures that we practice in a yoga class. Yoga asanas work on the entire body by building strength, releasing tension, increasing the flow of energy, stimulating the circulation, toning the muscles, improving sense of balance and improving health overall. Yoga asana not only works on the physical level but also positively affects the mind. By improving concentration during practice, yoga calms the mind and increases the ability to cope with stressful modern day living. This process can be deepened further by including a steady meditation and pranayama (breath control) practice.

Yoga Asana Glossary


Standing Yoga Poses

Tadasana
Urdhva Hastasana
Vrksasana
Utkatasana
Utthita Trikonasana
Parighasana
Utthita Parsvakonasana
Ardha Chandrasana
Parsvottanasana
Virabhadrasana I
Virabhadrasana II
Virabhadrasana III
Prasarita Padottanasana
Ardha Uttanasana
Uttanasana
Padangustasana
Pada hastasana
Garudasana
Parivritta Trikonasana
Parivritta Parsvakonasana
Parivritta Ardha Chandrasana
Utthita hasta Padangusthasana
Standing Marichyasana
Anjaneyasana

Yoga Twists

Parsva Adho Mukha Virasana
Sukhasana Twist
Bharadvajasana I
Bharadvajasana II
Ardha Matsyendrasana I
Marichyasana II
Marichyasana III
Parsva Virasana
Parsva Dandasana

Seated Yoga Poses & Forward Bends

Adho Mukha Virasana
Dandasana
Sukhasana
Parvatasana
Siddhasana
Virasana
Vajrasana
Triang Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana
Marichyasana I

Core Strengthening Yoga Poses

Jathara Parivartanasana
Navasana
Ardha Navasana
Urdhva Prasarita Padasana

Yoga Backbends

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Setubhanda Sarvangasana
Bhujangasana
Salabasana
Makrasana
Sphinx Pose
Ustrasana
Dhanurasana
Urdhva Dhanurasana
Viparita Dandasana
Purvottanasana

Inversions (Upside Down Poses)

Viparita Karani
Salamba Sarvangasana
Halasana
Parsva Halasana
Salamba Sirsasana

Other Yoga Poses

Adho Mukha Svanasana
Pinchamayurasana
Caturanga Dandasana
Phalankasana

Translation

Mountain Pose
Upward Salute Pose
Tree Pose
Chair Pose
Extended Triangle Pose
Gate Pose
Extended Side Angle Pose
Half Moon Pose
Intense Side Stretch Pose
Warrior I Pose
Warrior II Pose
Warrior III Pose
Wide-legged Forward Bend
Standing Half Forward Bend
Standing Forward Bend
Big Toe Pose
Hands to feet Pose
Eagle Pose
Revolved Triangle Pose
Revolved Side Angle Pose
Revolved Half Moon Pose
Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose
Standing Marichi's Pose
Lunge

Translation

Downward Facing Hero Twist
Easy Seated Twist
Bharadvaja I Twist
Bharadvaja II Twist
Half Lord of the Fishes Twist
Marichi II Twist
Marichi III Twist
Hero Pose Twist
Staff Pose Twist

Translation

Downward Facing Hero Pose
Staff Pose
Easy Seated Pose
Seated Mountain Pose
Sage Pose
Hero Pose
Thunderbolt Pose
Three Parts Forward Bend Pose
Marichi I Pose

Translation

Revolved Abdomen Pose/Spinal Twist
Boat Pose
Half Boat Pose
Upwards Extended Feet Pose

Translation

Upward Facing Dog Pose
Bridge Pose
Cobra Pose
Locust Pose
Crocodile Pose
Sphinx Pose
Camel Pose
Bow Pose
Upward Bow Pose
Inverted Staff Pose
Upward Plank Pose

Translation

Legs up the Wall Pose
Supported Shoulderstand
Plow Pose
Side Plow Pose
Supported Headstand

Translation

Downward Facing Dog Pose
Peacock Pose
Four Limbed Staff Pose
Plank Pose