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If you’re new to yoga, this guide will help you learn some of the basic poses.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
The foundation of all standing poses, Mountain Pose makes a great a starting position, resting pose, or tool to improve posture.
Mountain Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana)
Urdhva Hastasana literally translates to “Raised Hands Pose,” but it is also sometimes called Talasana, the Palm Tree Pose (tala = palm tree).
Upward Salute: Step-by-Step Instructions
Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
Chair Pose clearly works the muscles of the arms and legs, but it also stimulates the diaphragm and heart.
Chair Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Standing Half Forward Bend (Ardha Uttanasana)
Find length in front body before forward folding in Ardha Uttanasana.
Standing Half Forward Bend: Step-by-Step Instructions
Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
Uttanasana will wake up your hamstrings and soothe your mind.
Standing Forward Bend: Step-by-Step Instructions
Plank Pose
Nurture your love-hate relationship with Plank Pose. A beginner’s best friend, it’s the perfect precursor to more challenging arm balances.
Plank Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Four-Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana)
Learn four-limbed staff pose because it is frequently practiced as part of the traditional Sun Salutation sequence.
Four-Limbed Staff Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Open the heart and roll the shoulders down to promote flexibility in Cobra Pose.
Cobra Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Deservedly one of yoga’s most widely recognized yoga poses, Adho Mukha Svanasana, offer the ultimate all-over, rejuvenating stretch.
Downward-Facing Dog: Step-by-Step Instructions
Cow Pose (Bitilasana)
Cow Pose is an easy, gentle way to warm up the spine.
Cow Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Cat Pose (Marjaryasana)
This pose provides a gentle massage to the spine and belly organs.
Cat Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
High Lunge
Counteract the effects of Modern-Day Sitting Syndrome by lengthening your hip flexors in High Lunge.
High Lunge: Step-by-Step Instruction
Warrior I Pose (Virabhadrasana I)
Learn the basics of this foundational yoga pose, Virabhadrasana I.
Warrior I Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II)
Named for a fierce warrior, an incarnation of Shiva, this version of Warrior Pose increases stamina.
Warrior II Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Low Lunge
This low lunge variation stretches the thighs and groins and opens the chest.
Low Lunge: Step-by-Step Instructions
Upward-Facing Dog Pose (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)
Upward-Facing Dog will challenge you to lift and open your chest.
Upward-Facing Dog Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Take a break. Balasana is a restful pose that can be sequenced between more challenging asanas.
Child’s Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Vrksasana clarifies just how challenging it can be to stand on one leg.
Tree Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
Fold into Paschimottanasana to help a distracted mind—and your hamstrings—unwind.
Seated Forward Bend: Step-by-Step Instructions
Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
A classic restorative posture, Supta Baddha Konasana or Reclining Bound Angle Pose can be modified for any level of hip and groin resistance.
Reclining Bound Angle Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
Don’t let the name fool you. If you’re used to sitting in chairs, Easy Pose or Sukhasana can be quite challenging.
Easy Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Savasana is a pose of total relaxation—making it one of the most challenging.