The Lion's Pose gives the muscles of the jaw, throat, eyes, and face a stretch that can ease problems like teeth grinding and clenched jaws. It's also excellent preparation for a KISS concert.
The Plow Pose is essentially a Noble Pose turned on its head—or rather, turned on your head.
This pose is exactly as it sounds—you'll be drawing back an imaginary arrow. We don't want to spoil the surprise, but you already have all the equipment built-in.
This is a variation of the Wide Legged Seated Forward Bend, but since you're standing for this one, you have a helpful partner — gravity.
You might recognize the Noble Pose as the dreaded "sit-and-reach" from your childhood gym class. But while that was an exercise in pre-pubescent humiliation, this is a time-honored and well-respected yoga posture. See the difference?
This relatively simple pose might make you feel like a kid stretching before gym class, but that's not necessarily a bad thing—the more you do it, the better you can gauge your maturing yoga skills.
You won't actually be able to fly in this pose, but you will improve your balance, strengthen your legs, and stretch your hips and shoulders.
Eventually, your calm and peaceful mind will relish the challenge that this pose presents your wrists and abdominal muscles. Until then, just be thankful it's not a one-limbed pose.
The Lunge Pose will have you looking like a sprinter in the blocks, ready to take off. And after practicing it to build your lower body strength and stamina, you will be.
This pose is exactly what you think it is, but its benefits may surprise you: It gives the heart a rest, promotes the lymph system, and increases blood flow to the brain. (Plus, it looks really cool.)
Cobras are known for achieving a menacing pose by expanding their hoods when threatened. You don't need a hood—or a threat—to strike a cobra pose. Just expand your chest.
Remember how there was always one joker in school who pretended to sit on an invisible chair? That joker might just make an excellent yoga practitioner.
According to Hindu mythology, this pose was originated by a yogi who spent 12 years in the belly of a fish, eavesdropping on Shiva's secret yoga instructions in an ocean cave. All you have to do is sit on a mat.
What do paintings on a wall, car tires, and promising horoscopes have in common? They all require proper alignment. It's not the easiest skill to acquire, but the Extended Triangle Pose will help hone it.