Yoga is practiced by millions of people and nothing surprising about it because of the benefits this ancient practice provides. This is one of those physically engaging activities and exercises that target all your muscle groups with different poses. Additionally, apart from delivering benefits, yoga can also help people who are suffering conditions. Be it back pain, constipation, fatigue, reducing blood pressure, or assisting in digestion, you name it.
There are various yoga poses that people practice to open up their chests. These poses are called heart-opening poses which stretch the space between your ribcage, shoulders, and chest. These open-heart poses carry amazing benefits that can support both your physical and mental well-being. However, it’s important to practice them the right way to prevent any injuries or complications.
Eager to explore what these poses are? Then keep reading because this article has handpicked some of the best heart-opening yoga poses for you to practice.
Top Heart-Opening Yoga Poses Everyone Should Practice
A good sequence of poses that target specific muscle groups can make you feel significant positive changes in your life. This article will not only talk about how these poses benefit your body but also discuss the right ways to practice them. Keep reading the article to learn how some heart-opening poses can add positive changes to your daily life.
Here are 5 heart-opening poses everyone must practice.
1. Camel Pose
Camel pose is considered one of the most powerful heart openers. The poses work against gravity and open your heart for compassion and kindness. It expands your chest and abdominal region and it also provides a relief to the back. This also makes it beneficial for people who experience back pain for different reasons.
Start this pose on your knees and position them at a hip-width distance apart. Then put your hands on your lower back and draw your shoulder blades back and down. Keep rolling your shoulders back while ensuring your hips are as far forward as possible. However, it’s quite common to make mistakes while doing it alone. This is why yogis head to hot yoga downtown studios to practice with experts and minimize the risk of injuries.
2. Crescent Lunge Pose
This is a back-bend pose which is why it’s another great addition to your heart-opening yoga poses. This is because the deeper you bend in this pose the more you open your heart. This pose perfectly stretches your chest and back muscles which can have a positive effect on the body and mood.
To start take a big step in front of you with your right leg and keep the knee bent at a 90-degree angle. Then extend the left leg behind you and ensure your knee to ankle is placed on the ground while your thigh remains lifted. As your left leg becomes fully stretched use it to support your back-bend. Bend backward as much as possible and stay in the position for a few breaths.
3. Cobra Pose
This is one of the perfect heart opener poses that also stretches your lower back. The good thing about this pose is that it can be practiced by both beginner and advanced yoga practitioners. This is because it’s a simple posture that doesn’t require much of a technique to follow.
To start this you need to lie on your stomach on the floor preferably on a comfortable mat. Keep your legs straight as possible and place the palms of your hands at the sides of your body. Your hand should be around your lower chest. Then use the support of your palms to lift your upper chest off the ground and maintain a comfortable stretch.
4. Heart Melting Pose
Just like the name suggests the pose perfectly targets the muscles around your heart. It expands your chest improves the functioning of your heart and lungs and also promotes blood circulation. This pose is also considered a mood booster and it induces a sense of calm.
Start in a tabletop position by using all your fours and keep your knees a little wider than a hip distance apart. Keep your hips aligned with your knees and keep your arms straight in front of you. Then place your forehead on the floor to make the pose easy and if you feel pressure bend your elbows. Stay in this position for a few breaths.
5. Child’s Pose
Visually similar to a heart-melting pose but it’s not the same. Child pose is usually practiced at the end of intense workout sessions because of its calming effects. The pose enhances your heart and lung health and it also relaxes your body and mind.
To start sit on the floor and place your hips slightly above the ankles of your feet. Then let your upper body come down towards the floor until your forehead touches the ground. Extend your arms next to your head. However, to prevent any injuries, it’s best to practice with field experts. For this, you can visit a yoga studio to practice with experienced instructors.
Reap the Magical Benefits of Heart-Opening Yoga Poses
While there are countless benefits to reap, it’s important to practice the poses correctly with the right techniques. You can consider practicing at a reputed yoga studio where expert instructors will assist you with your practice. Feel free to book your next class online and head to the studio.
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