So Yogi Bears, once again, we are spending most of our day in the house, and that list of new things to do that you previously had is becoming scarce. If you’ve never tried incorporating yoga into your routine, starting yoga in lockdown is a great idea! Yoga helps to calm your mind during all the stress that we put ourselves through and relieve any built-up tension you may have. It’ll also be something to do to pass the time while improving your flexibility and contributing to general good health. We've picked our top 5 yoga poses that have helped us through lockdown 2020, read on to find out more. 

Starting Yoga in Lockdown

Living in a lockdown world can make it tricky to get into a routine, especially when every day seems to be the same. Starting yoga in a lockdown can help get you into a routine, offering a change of activity from your working day, as well as a way to manage stress and anxiety. Many use it as a form of meditation for the mind and body, releasing emotion and helping their body’s energy flow through the continuous movements carried out with controlled breathing. Even just 5-10 minutes during your breaks can make a difference in your mental and physical health. If you’re a complete beginner to yoga, the easiest way to start is to pick a few easy poses to move between and repeat as many times as it feels comfortable to do so.

5 Easy Poses That Have Helped Us During Lockdown

If you’re looking for a few easy poses to help kick-start your yoga practice try out the following poses that helped us during the first lockdown!

Mountain Pose

• Begin standing with your feet slightly apart, and push into your feet as you do so.
• Become aware of your muscles engaging, and take a deep breath in, rolling your shoulders back. Make sure your neck keeps itself long as you do this. 
• Release your breath when the shoulders rest next to each other.
• Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths in this position.

Child’s Pose

• Start by sitting on your knees on the floor. Take a deep breath in, put your arms out in front of you, and rest your forehead on the ground. 
• Make sure to roll your hips back and to stretch out your back, releasing your breath as you do so.
• Stay in this position for a few controlled breaths, relaxing your body and releasing tension in your neck, head, and spine.

Warrior Pose

• Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart. 
• Take a big step back with your right foot in a similar way to a lunge. 
• Put your right heel down, angling your toes at about 75 degrees.
• Open up your chest and bring your arms up and above you, with palms facing upwards.
• Take a few deep breaths in this position before stepping back into your starting position and repeating on the left leg.

Seated Forward Fold

• Sit down with your legs stretched out in front of you, feet together and hands by your hips.
• Take a breath in and lift your chest up and out before hinging forward from your hips.
• Gently start leaning forward, engaging your lower abs as you do so, and releasing your breath. Rest your arms by your legs once you have reached your maximum stretch.
• Ensure that you are fully relaxed and not tense anywhere.
• Stay in this position for a couple of slow and controlled breaths before releasing the position and returning to your starting position.

Downward Facing Dog

• Start on all fours on the floor.
• Push gently onto your toes as you lift your hips and straighten your knees. If it is challenging to keep your legs completely straight, have a slight bend at your knees. (It may be difficult due to tight hamstrings).
• Keep your hips back, stretching out your back. If you want to increase the stretch, you can move your hands forwards.
• Push down onto your palms and keep your leg muscles engaged while holding this pose.
• Take a few deep breaths in this position before coming back down to all fours to release the pose.