Yoga New Year's Resolution Ideas

What better time, than the beginning of a new year, to start a new fitness routine. Yoga is absolutely amazing and, believe it or not, probably one of the most addictive, adrenaline-pumping exercises around. There are so many benefits to doing yoga, they have a different move for everything, from back to knee pain.

So what is yoga exactly?

Well, yoga is defined as a Hindu discipline, which trains the consciousness for perfect spiritual insight and peace. Below I will be talking about a couple of beginners yoga poses for some New Year's Resolution ideas.

.....I am not a doctor or an instructor, so please make sure your doctor says it's okay before you add these yoga poses into your daily routine......

This pose is an amazing stretch for your arms and legs and is a great warmup. Doing this pose every morning before your daily workout or workday is a good way to wake up and energize your body. This pose stretches the heels, calves, hamstrings, glutes, hips, and lower back. Always be careful not to over stretch or pull any muscles, anytime you begin something new it is vital to start slow until you build up your strength. Once you have mastered this move you can start adding back leg lifts or other variations.

You may find it hard to leave your heels on the ground when you first start doing yoga. But I promise as time progresses you should find it easier to keep your heels on the ground.

Sun Salutations is an awesome stretch for your back, legs and arms. I usually do this pose at night. I find it really helps me to relax after a long, hard day. This pose is an absolute, beginners pose but like anything else, if done wrong could result in injury. Make sure not to bend down to fast with this pose, or overextend your arms. As you become more advanced you can make the movements a little bigger.

The only thing you might notice when you first start doing this pose is that you may feel a little wobbly or clumsy. This, of course, should go away once you get used to this pose.

The plank pose is incredible for strengthening and toning your entire body. The plank involves using almost every muscle in your body to hold the pose. I try to do this at least three times a week to really work on training and strengthening my core, which is my problem area. It is very important not to do more than your body can handle, so if this pose is a little too hard for you at first, just drop your knees to the ground, kind of the same way you would if you were doing what they call the "girlie pushup. " Once you get the hang of this move and become stronger, you can even add some advanced movements, like arm or leg raises.

This introverted yoga pose is great for improving circulation and building upper body strength. This is an excellent alternative to regular handstands. I try to do this pose at least two to three times a week to help improve my core strength.

The first few times you do this pose you may notice it is a little too challenging and if that is the case skip this pose. Yoga is meant to help improve your body not cause damage, never do more than your body can handle.

This yoga pose is great for stretching your back and chest. This is not a move you want to jump right into, but it is definitely one I recommend you give a try if your wanting a great stretch and challenge. You may not be able to do this pose all the way through the first few times you try it, but with practice it will get easier.

You want to make sure that you don't try to do this move before your body is ready or you could risk being injured. A great yoga instructor can teach you the proper way to do this move and all the other moves above.

As with any other kind of fitness routine yoga needs to be done a certain way to prevent pain and injury. Never overexert yourself and always ask a physician before trying anything new.