Move Better, Feel Better: What Yoga Poses Can Do for You

The word asana comes from Sanskrit and means “pose” or “posture.” Asanas were originally designed to build strength, increase flexibility, and improve mobility. They target areas of the body we don’t normally use in everyday life, helping release tension and restore balance. Over time, a consistent asana practice supports both physical and emotional well-being.

As creatures of habit, we tend to repeat the same activities each day. This leads to repetitive movements and ingrained patterns in how we sit, stand, and sleep. Over time, these habits—combined with daily responsibilities and distractions—can cause us to lose awareness of our bodies. Often, we don’t notice the impact until we feel pain, typically in the neck, shoulders, or back. Repetitive motions or a sedentary lifestyle can compromise our posture and alignment, leading to discomfort. Yoga helps break these patterns by introducing movements that restore balance and ease.

Let’s take a look at a few categories of yoga postures and how they support well-being:

Balancing Postures

Good balance is the ability to stay stable while the body is in motion. Poses like tree pose help create a solid foundation and a sense of grounding. They allow you to be present in your body and connect with the earth. They promote focus and concentration, and sharpen your awareness. With regular practice, they help stabilize both body and mind.

Spinal Twists

Spinal twists are highly effective for releasing built-up tension in the back. They help alleviate stiffness, aches, and discomfort along the spine. Whether performed lying down or seated, twists can be practiced gently and held for several breaths to fully experience their benefits. Even a simple seated twist—at home or at the office—can ease tension and help reset your posture throughout the day.

Yoga Flows

Yoga flows involve transitioning from one posture to the next, in a smooth, fluid motion. often seen in sequences like Sun Salutations. These dynamic movements boost energy levels, support cardiovascular health, and promote overall vitality.

Core Postures

Core-strengthening poses, such as Boat Pose, help develop the stabilizing muscles in the abdominal region. When the core is weak, postures can feel shaky and unsteady. These muscles are essential for supporting controlled movement and maintaining balance. A strong core enables smooth transitions between poses, enhances alignment, and allows you to hold postures with confidence and stability.

Inversions

Inversions are poses where the heart is positioned higher than the head—such as Forward Fold or Downward Dog. These postures enhance blood circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and boost energy levels. If you experience pressure or discomfort during an inversion, exit the pose gently to avoid dizziness. Always choose inversions that match your strength, flexibility, and overall health. Using proper technique is key for practicing safely and gaining the full benefits of your practice.

Backbends

Backbends are energizing and revitalizing poses that open the chest, expand the ribcage, and release tightness in the shoulders and hip flexors. These postures enhance spinal flexibility and improve posture, encouraging a sense of confidence and positivity.

Yoga postures are highly adaptable. Any pose can be modified to support your body’s natural alignment, helping to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of injury. Asanas also help unblock energy pathways, promoting smooth energy flow throughout the body and restoring balance.

They also create mobility and space in the body, expanding your range of motion and making movement more accessible—both in your practice and daily life. Asanas help build endurance and inner strength while supporting the body’s vitality and resilience.

Whether you're seeking energy or relaxation, yoga has something to offer. A gentle practice can ease anxiety, calm the mind, and support better sleep. Activating the body's relaxation response promotes healing, restoration, and emotional balance—bringing lasting feelings of calm, joy, and overall well-being, both physically and emotionally.

Wherever you are on your journey, your mat is always a place to reconnect, realign, and begin again.

with love,

Maria xo