Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, balance, and overall wellbeing. In this article, we'll explore the 10 best yoga poses for flexibility that can help you increase your range of motion and feel better in your body.
1. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Downward Facing Dog is a classic yoga pose that's great for stretching out your hamstrings, calves, and spine. Begin on your hands and knees, then lift your hips up towards the ceiling while keeping your head and neck relaxed. Hold for several breaths and repeat as needed.
2. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Cobra Pose is a backbend that stretches out the front of your body, including your chest, abs, and hip flexors. Start by lying on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Inhale and press your palms into the ground to lift your chest off the mat. Hold for several breaths and release.
3. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
Triangle Pose is a standing pose that stretches out your hips, hamstrings, and side body. Begin in a wide leg stance, then turn your right foot out and bend your right knee. Reach your right hand towards the ground or a block, while stretching your left hand up towards the ceiling. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side.
4. Wide-Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana)
Wide-Legged Forward Fold is a seated pose that stretches out your hamstrings and inner thighs. Start in a wide leg stance with your toes pointing forward. Inhale to lengthen your spine, then exhale to fold forward from your hips. Hold for several breaths and release.
5. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
Pigeon Pose is a hip opener that can help release tension in your hips and lower back. Begin on your hands and knees, then bring your right knee towards your right hand and extend your left leg behind you. Lower your hips towards the ground while keeping your chest lifted. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side.
6. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Butterfly Pose is a seated pose that stretches out your inner thighs and hips. Sit on the ground with the soles of your feet together and your knees out to the sides. Use your hands to gently press your knees towards the ground while lengthening your spine. Hold for several breaths and release.
7. Garland Pose (Malasana)
Garland Pose is a deep squat that stretches out your hips, groin, and ankles. Begin in a standing position with your feet wider than hip-width apart. Lower down into a deep squat, bringing your elbows inside your knees and your palms together. Hold for several breaths and release.
8. Seated Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Seated Twist is a pose that helps to stretch out your spine, shoulders, and hips. Start by sitting with your legs straight in front of you, then bring your right foot over your left thigh. Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale to twist towards your right knee. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side.
9. Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana)
Lizard Pose is a hip opener that can help release tension in your hips and quads. Begin on your hands and knees, then step your right foot forward outside of your right hand. Lower your elbows to the ground to deepen the stretch, and hold for several breaths before repeating on the other side.
10. Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana)
Extended Triangle Pose is a standing pose that stretches out your hips, hamstrings, and side body. Begin in a wide leg stance with your toes pointing forward. Turn your right foot out and reach your right hand towards the ground or a block while stretching your left hand up towards the ceiling. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side.
All Rights Reserved © 2025