Yoga comprises of some simple and effective body movements, which strengthen one's back, tones the stomach muscles, and reallocate body weight. These body movements are known as asanas, or poses. The Asanas have evolved over centuries and work wonders in keeping the body healthy and the mind peaceful. If performed in a right manner, these Yoga poses or positions help to tone muscles, lubricate joints and massage the body. Not only this, the asanas also enhance body endurance and increase flexibility. These postures bring physical and mental stability, along with health and vigor; they exercise the nerves, glands, ligaments, and muscles.

To accomplish each yoga pose, you require willpower, perseverance and daily practice. There are numberless poses and postures in Yoga. But before trying and performing any posture, you should keep certain things in mind.

* You should know your body limits. If your body does not allow a particular Yoga posture, then do not push your body for it. Otherwise, your may get hurt in the process.
* The best thing to do is, learn from an experienced teacher. Or you can always refer to books learning Yoga poses or Yoga Asanas. Videos could be of great help.
* By daily practicing, you will improve on the poses or positions of Yoga. It is not something that you will gain in the very first class.
* Every yoga position has its own benefits, sometimes specific physical and mental benefits. According to your needs, you can practice a particular Yoga pose.
* Before starting a Yoga session, it is important to do some basic stretches to warm-up and to avoid strain.

Yoga Postures
Sanskrit Name English Translation
Adho Mukha Svanasana Downward-Facing Dog
Adho Mukha Vrksasana Handstand (Downward-Facing Tree)
Ajali Mudra Salutation Seal
Ardha Chandrasana Half Moon Posture
Ardha Matsyendrasana Half Spinal Twist
Baddha Konasana Bound Angle
Bakasana Crane Pose
Balasana or Garbhasana Child's Pose
Bharadvajasana Bharadvaja's Twist
Bhujangasana Cobra Pose
Chakrasana Wheel Posture
Chaturanga Dandasana Four-Limbed Staff
Dandasana Staff pose
Dhanurasana Bow
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana One-Legged King Pigeon
Garudasana Eagle Posture
Gomukhasana Cow Face
Halasana Plow
Hanumanasana Monkey (named after Lord Hanuman)
Janusirsasana Head-to-Knee Forward Bend
Kakasana Crow Pose
Krauncasana Heron Posture
Kukkueasana Cockerel Pose
Kurmasana Tortoise Pose
Makarasana Crocodile Posture
Matsyasana Fish Posture
Matsyendrasana Lord of the Fishes
Mayurusana Peacock Pose
Natarajasana Lord of the Dance
Padahastasana Standing Forward Bend
Padmasana Lotus Pose
Paripurnanavasana Full Boat Posture
Parivrttaparsvakonasana Revolved Side Angle
Parivrttatrikonasana Revolved Triangle
Pasasana Noose
Pascimottanasana Seated Forward Bend
Prasaritapadottanasana Intense Spread Leg Stretch
Pavana Mukta-Asana Wind-releasing Posture
Salabhasana Locust Posture
Sarvangasana Shoulder Stand
Shavasana / Mrtasana Corpse Pose
Sethubandasana Bridge, Half Wheel
Siddhasana / Muk-tasana /Guptasana Perfect Pose
Simhasana Lion Posture
Sirsasana Head Stand
Sukhasana Auspicious Pose
Suptabaddhakonasana Reclining Bound Angle
Suptapadangusthasana Reclining Big Toe
Suptavirasana Reclining Hero
Surya-Namaskar Sun Salutation
Svastikasana Prosperous Pose
Tadasana / Samasthiti Mountain Pose
Trikonasana Triangle
Upavistakonasana Open Angle
Urdhvadhanurasana Upward Bow, Backbend, or Wheel
Urdhvamukhasvanasana Upward-Facing Dog
Usthasana Camel Pose
Uttanakurmasana Upside-Down Tortoise
Utkatasana Chair
Uttanasana Standing Forward Bend
Utthitahastapadangusthasana Raised Hand to Big Toe
Utthitaparsvakonasana Extended Side Angle
Utthitatrikonasana Extended Triangle Posture
Vasisthasana Side Plank
Viparitakarani Legs-up-the-Wall
Vajrasana Thunderbolt Pose
Virasana Hero
Vriksha-Asana Tree Pose