9 best yoga exercises

Yoga exercises are a form of physical activity that combines body postures, controlled breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. Yoga is not only related to exercise and fitness but also encompasses various aspects of overall health and well-being. Here are some key points about yoga exercises:

  1. Origins: Yoga originated in ancient India and has been practiced for thousands of years. It has evolved over time and has many different schools and styles, each with its own approach to poses and techniques.

  2. Physical Poses (Asanas): Yoga includes a wide range of physical postures or asanas, which vary in complexity and purpose. These poses help improve flexibility, strength, balance, and body awareness. Some common yoga poses include Downward Dog, Warrior, Tree Pose, and Child's Pose.

  3. Breathing Techniques (Pranayama): Pranayama is the practice of controlling the breath. It involves various breathing techniques designed to calm the mind, increase energy, and enhance mental focus. Deep, mindful breathing is a fundamental aspect of yoga.

  4. Meditation and Mindfulness: Yoga incorporates meditation and mindfulness practices, helping individuals cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness. Meditation can be a separate practice or integrated into yoga sessions.

  5. Health Benefits: Regular practice of yoga is associated with numerous health benefits.These include improved flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, better posture, enhanced respiratory function, stress reduction, and mental clarity.

  6. Variety of Styles: There are many different styles of yoga, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, and more. Each style has its unique focus and approach, making it accessible to people with various fitness levels and goals.

  7. Equipment: Yoga typically requires minimal equipment. A yoga mat is commonly used to provide a stable surface, and some practitioners use props like blocks, straps, and bolsters to assist in poses.

  8. Books and Resources: There are numerous books and online resources available for learning about yoga. These resources can provide guidance on poses, sequences, philosophy, and the history of yoga.

  9. Holistic Wellness: Yoga is often viewed as a holistic practice that promotes not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. It can be a valuable tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depression.

  10. Instructors and Classes: Many people prefer to learn yoga through classes taught by certified instructors who can provide guidance and ensure proper alignment. Yoga studios and online platforms offer a wide range of classes to suit different needs and preferences.

In summary, yoga exercises encompass a diverse range of physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation practices, and mindfulness principles. This ancient practice offers numerous physical and mental health benefits and can be adapted to various styles and levels of expertise.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best yoga exercises on the market
  

Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan

Workman Publishing Company

Based on 642 reviews Check latest price

Yoga: The Top 100 Best Yoga Poses: Relieve Stress, Increase Flexibility, and Gain Strength (Yoga Postures Poses Exercises Techniques and Guide For Healing Stretching Strengthening and Stress Relief)

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Based on 655 reviews Check latest price

Better Stretching: 9 Minutes a Day to Greater Flexibility, Less Pain, and Enhanced Performance, the JoeTherapy Way

St. Martin's Essentials

Based on 649 reviews Check latest price

CAMBIVO Yoga Mat - Extra Long and Wide Exercise Mat, 84’’ x 30’’ x 1/4 inch for Yoga, Pilates, Fitness, Barefoot Workouts, Home Gym Studio

CAMBIVO

Based on 196 reviews Check latest price
  • All-purpose🦶 Barefoot Exercise Mat
  • SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR TALL YOGIS - At 84 x 30 inches length and width, you will never feel restricted or limited by the size of this mat. The Cambivo yoga mat was created for taller yogis and everyone who requires longer and wider exercise space, by providing them with more room to stretch and practice. Add Cambivo extra long exercise mat to your fitness routine for a better workout experience
  • OUTSTANDING CUSHIONING AND RESILIENCE - The Cambivo 6mm thick yoga mat provides outstanding cushioning and resilience for yogis with an excellent stability in any Asana. The thick gym mat takes the pressure off the joints to protect the yoga beginners and practitioner from injury. No more sore knees and elbows, good shock absorber for activities
  • ULTRA COMFORT FOR A BETTER WORK OUT - The Yoga Mat is designed to give you the most comfortable yoga experience possible. The great thickness of the exercise mat allows you to do any Yoga Poses, Yin Yoga, Pilates, Stretch, Foam Rolling, Meditations and various barefoot bodyweight trainings like Squats, Lunges, Push ups and Plank
  • UNIQUE HONEYCOMB BOTTOM DESIGN - The reverse protruding texture grips and prevents the mat from sliding around and offers stability on hard or soft surfaces. Your feet can easily grounded and secured on the mat when you go through the practice. Treat yourself to a unrestricted exercise experience on a reliable mat.
  • EASY STORAGE AND TRAVEL FRIENDLY - Cambivo extra long yoga mat is perfect home gym add-on and it is easy to carry to gym or yoga class. The mat can be rolled up nicely for easy transport. After each exercise, gently wipe the sweat off the surface of the mat using a mild soap damp cloth and no need to worry about it clinging

User questions & answers

Question: How much does this mat weigh? Not shipping weight, but the weight of the mat alone
Answer: Hi, the net weight of the yoga mat is 5lb (2.3kg). Thank you for asking the question.:) I hope my answer could help you. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for choosing Cambivo. Cambivo Team
Question: Hi! what is the material of this mat
Answer: Its not a hard rubber texture, its a mesh foam type material. I'm not sure what its made from but its a perfect exercise mat!! Its cushiony enough for sit ups. We love it!
Question: Mat odor
Answer: no odor at all.

Product features

Choose Cambivo extra long yoga mat for Extra more space.

The extra-long yoga mat was created for taller yogis and everyone who requires longer and wider exercise space. At 84 x 32 inches length and width, you will have more room to stretch and practice.

We know you need a yoga mat that is long and wide enough for exercise. The 84 x 30 inches of Cambivo extra long yoga mat allows individuals of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the fun of workout. Witness your changes with every drop of sweat. Unleash your yoga talent on the Cambivo extra long yoga mat!

Great cushioning that supports you and your joints

Made of premium quality material, this 6mm thick mat provides superior comfort and support on any type of floor. It comfortably cushions your spine, hips, knee, and perfectly reduces your joint pressure, and fully protects your knees and elbows. Our workout mat added a layer of reticular fibers (anti-shear mesh) in the middle, which makes our exercise mat more compliant and durable than regular yoga mats.

  • Remember to wipe the mat with mild soap damp cloth before the first-time use and after each use to prolong its service life
  • Sweating can cause you to slip and slide on the mat. If your hands and feet that sweat a lot during exercise, you can either place our microfiber towel under your hand or simply wipe the sweat off your body and mat to stop slipping

Anatomy of Fitness 501 Yoga Exercises

Based on 38 reviews Check latest price

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap

BalanceFrom

Based on 56 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Overview: With double sided non-slip surfaces, BalanceFrom All-Purpose Premium exercise yoga mat comes with an excellent slip resistant advantage to prevent injuries. Exceptional resilience allow you to keep your balance during any exercise style. moisture resistant technology makes the mat to be easily washed with soap and water. Easy strapping and light weight feature are added to this mat for easy transport and storage. BalanceFrom All-Purpose Premium exercise yoga mat is manufactured and sold exclusively by BalanceFrom Amazon store.



Dimensions: 71" long 24" wide ensures comfort for people of all shapes and sizes. With high density foam material, the 1/2'' thick premium mat comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees and elbows on hard floors.



Warranty: All genuine BalanceFrom products come with a 2-year warranty and 100% BalanceFrom Satisfaction Guarantee to make your purchase worry free. Simply contact us or your vendor if you have any questions. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority.



AT A GLANCE:

-1/2-inch extra thick

-Excellent non-slip traction and cushion

-A free carrying strap is included

-Light weight and portable

-2-year warranty

  • 71" long 24" wide ensures comfort for people of all shapes and sizes. With high density foam material, the 1/2'' thick premium mat comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees and elbows on hard floors
  • With double sided non-slip surfaces, Balance From all-purpose premium exercise yoga mat comes with an excellent slip resistant advantage to prevent injuries
  • Exceptional resilience allow you to keep your balance during any exercise style. Moisture resistant technology makes the mat to be easily washed with soap and water
  • Easy strapping and light weight feature are added to this mat for easy transport and storage. Balance From all-purpose premium exercise yoga mat is manufactured by Balance From Amazon store
  • A free yoga mat strap is included. All genuine Balance From products are covered by a 100% Balance From satisfaction guarantee and 2-year Balance From warranty. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority
  • Included components: Balance From Go Yoga exercise yoga mat, yoga mat strap

User questions & answers

Question: My mat has marks/indents on it from the strap straight out of the box. Do these marks eventually fix themselves or will it always be marked up
Answer: Mine does not slide around, but I am mostly doing exercises while lying on it. I have a wood-look vinyl floor. So I do not think it would slide but you could put something under it like the non-skid stuff for carpets. The mat is just wide enough to lie down comfortably like a yoga mat.
Question: is it big enough for ab workout/other exercises
Answer: Yes, absolutely.
Question: Can anyone confirm the "anti-tear" claim? Does the mat, after several uses, began to shed/tear
Answer: Ordered 1/4/20 Prime and "fulfilled by Amazon Services" but hasn't shipped as of 1/13/20. According to Amazon site it is in stock and we could have it Wednesday, 1/5/20 if we ordered now or nine days ago. We will see.
Question: Which side do you recommend faces up
Answer: It’s long enough to be a good sleep mat. But the material is a synthetic leather like material and does not breath that great. It better then the floor, the foam is fairly dense. It’s a great mat for relaxing on the floor, working out, and perfect for kids or a not so picky adult to nap on.

Product features

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose 1/2-Inch Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap

With double sided non-slip surfaces, BalanceFrom All-Purpose Premium exercise yoga mat comes with an excellent slip resistant advantage to prevent injuries. Exceptional resilience allow you to keep your balance during any exercise style. moisture resistant technology makes the mat to be easily washed with soap and water.

1/2" Extra Thick

With high density foam material, the 1/2'' thick premium mat comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees and elbows on hard floors.

Super Easy to Clean

Easy to clean. The moisture resistant technology and high quality material make mat to be easily washed with soap and water.

Adjustable & Velcro

A free strap is included. The length of our strap is adjustable. The loops have Velcro ends for easier and better hold.

Pilates for Beginners: Core Pilates Exercises and Easy Sequences to Practice at Home

Althea Press

Based on 210 reviews Check latest price

HemingWeigh 1 inch Thick Yoga Mat, Extra Thick, Non Slip Exercise Mat for Indoor and Outdoor Use, Black

HemingWeigh

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price
  • All purpose 70" long 23" wide mat, made with high density foam, 1" thick anti-tear premium foam material
  • Thoroughly engineered to support all types of yoga routines; Non slip feature allows you to maintain perfect balance; Prevents sprains and fractures due to falling; Anti tear allows durability for Vinsaya and other active yoga forms; Will last for a very long time
  • Travel yoga mat; Bring to the studio or stay at home; The easy strapping system and lightweight feature allows less time and effort to roll and carry with you wherever you want to go; Enjoy the serenity of indoor yoga or reconnect with nature through outdoor yoga; Ideal for any setting
  • Long enough for stretching; Wide enough for movement; Great for Ashtanga yoga and even Hatha yoga; No more yoga poses off the mat
  • Eco friendly and easy to clean; Made with soft, flexible, and non toxic NBR material to keep your health at ease; The smart choice for nature caring yogis like yourself

User questions & answers

Question: how big is it, what are the dimensions
Answer: Just your average yoga mat except thicker
Question: I would be using it for running in place, barefoot, on a hard basement floor. Is this a good mat for that
Answer: Not sure of that. This mat is primarily good for having to be positioned on knees, or laying down and doing various exercises.Running, jumping jacks, etc may not be a good idea on the mat.
Question: Is this good for sit-ups
Answer: yes. especially for a cheap mat i've found it to be great. it gives enough cushion where you can't feel the floor on your back at all. the only complaint i can see people having is that the mat is a little small and it rolls back a lot because normally you roll it up after use. for me though, i just accept the fact that if i'm doing leg lifts or other exercises that require full body extension my feet might hang over the end. to me it's not a big deal and this mat is perfect for what i need it for. if it's just straight sit ups you're looking at and you're not 7 feet tall, you should be just fine.
Question: How does this mat compare to the one P90X sells
Answer: I am not familiar with the mat from P90X but the Hemingweigh xtra thick is a very good quality and comfortable mat for the price. I work in a fitness gym and I have not seen a better mat than the Hemingweigh in that price range.

Product features

DESIGNED FOR EASY TRANSPORT AND STORAGE

You’ll love the integrated self-strapping system on this yoga mat. It makes for easy transport and storage. It’s perfect for people that like to bring their own fitness mat to group fitness classes and yoga studios.

SUPERIOR MATERIALS BUILT LO LAST

Don’t settle for cheap fitness equipment that wears down after a few uses. This exercise jump rope mat is lightweight but durable. It wont fray, rip, or tear like inferior knock-off yoga cushions.

THICK FOAM CUSHION MAKES FLOOR WORKOUT MORE COMFORTABLE

Exclusive thick cushioning specially designed for superior impact and absorption. Thicker for support and joint comfort.

OVER 23 INCHES WIDE BY 70 INCHES LONG
INTEGRATED SELF STRAPPING SYSTEM FOR EASY TRANSPORT AND STORAGE
EASY WIPE AND CLEAN. EASILY WIPES OFF SWEAT, LIQUID SPILLS AND DUST

Chair Yoga for Seniors: Stretches and Poses that You Can Do Sitting Down at Home

SKYHORSE

Based on 202 reviews Check latest price

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