The 7 Best Yoga Poses for Real Life
Awkward Chair Pose - Utkatasana
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
Sure, it's great to be able to stand on your head, but how often does this skill come in handy in your daily life? Here are some yoga poses you can really use to improve your quality of life.
Every time I approach a public toilet, I thank goodness for awkward chair pose. This pose builds the exact strengths you need for holding yourself aloft without coming in contact with anything unsavory. After practicing this pose for awhile, your legs will no longer quake and you can relieve yourself in comfort.
(Remember that it's only polite to lift the seat before you hover.) Raising your arms is optional.
Cow Face Arms - Gomukhasana Arms
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
Is your back constantly itchy? Do your loved ones refuse to scratch it for you anymore? Become more self-sufficient by practicing cow face pose. Do this pose diligently and you soon will be able to reach any itchy place on your back all by yourself. You'll also be able to apply your own lotion and sunscreen. No more weird sun-burned splotches in the middle of your back!
Garland Pose - Malasana
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
There are lots of uses for a nice, deep squat like garland pose. I often find myself in this position while gardening. Get comfortable squatting and you'll get more weeding and planting done with less of a backache.
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose - Ardha Matsyendrasana
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
Ever get a crick in your neck? Half lord of the fishes pose helps you to look over your shoulder without over stretching your neck, which is very useful for checking your blind spot before merging onto the highway. Substitute your steering wheel for the chair in this photo and you'll get the picture. Also useful for shooting a quick evil eye at misbehavers in the back seat.
Half Lotus Tree Pose
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
I use the half lotus variation of tree pose almost daily. It's the exact position you end up in when you are standing in the shower sloughing the soles of your feet with a pumice stone. What? All this yoga makes for rough heels.
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
While we're on the subject of personal hygiene, standing big toe pose is perfect for shaving your legs in the shower.
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
Everyone needs a party trick! (Feel free to substitute the arm balance of your choice.)
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
Sure, it's great to be able to stand on your head, but how often does this skill come in handy in your daily life? Here are some yoga poses you can really use to improve your quality of life.
Every time I approach a public toilet, I thank goodness for awkward chair pose. This pose builds the exact strengths you need for holding yourself aloft without coming in contact with anything unsavory. After practicing this pose for awhile, your legs will no longer quake and you can relieve yourself in comfort.
(Remember that it's only polite to lift the seat before you hover.) Raising your arms is optional.
Cow Face Arms - Gomukhasana Arms
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
Is your back constantly itchy? Do your loved ones refuse to scratch it for you anymore? Become more self-sufficient by practicing cow face pose. Do this pose diligently and you soon will be able to reach any itchy place on your back all by yourself. You'll also be able to apply your own lotion and sunscreen. No more weird sun-burned splotches in the middle of your back!
Garland Pose - Malasana
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
There are lots of uses for a nice, deep squat like garland pose. I often find myself in this position while gardening. Get comfortable squatting and you'll get more weeding and planting done with less of a backache.
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose - Ardha Matsyendrasana
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
Ever get a crick in your neck? Half lord of the fishes pose helps you to look over your shoulder without over stretching your neck, which is very useful for checking your blind spot before merging onto the highway. Substitute your steering wheel for the chair in this photo and you'll get the picture. Also useful for shooting a quick evil eye at misbehavers in the back seat.
Half Lotus Tree Pose
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
I use the half lotus variation of tree pose almost daily. It's the exact position you end up in when you are standing in the shower sloughing the soles of your feet with a pumice stone. What? All this yoga makes for rough heels.
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
While we're on the subject of personal hygiene, standing big toe pose is perfect for shaving your legs in the shower.
Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy.
Updated May 21, 2015.
Everyone needs a party trick! (Feel free to substitute the arm balance of your choice.)
