In Aqua Yoga, your body feels weightless and does not experience the pull of gravity. This way, you can move away from distractions and simply pay attention to letting your body feel free. You can receive all the benefits of yoga without straining your body too much. Aqua Yoga can further help the body to balance itself and stay upright. If Aqua Yoga sounds like something you would be keen on trying, consider these Aqua Yoga poses.
1. Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)
Stand straight and extend your left arm and hold the wall with it. Start by taking your right hand and placing it on your right hip. Slowly hinge forward at the hips and raise your right leg behind you. When the right leg is parallel to the ground, and your hips are extended toward the right, raise your arm towards the sky. You will find that the water will help you hold this pose and give support to your legs and torso.
2. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog Pose)
For some poses, you would need props such as pool floats or stands for support. For the Upward Facing Dog Pose, you can use two pool noodles and hold them away from the body. While doing this, you can slowly begin pushing the support away while arching your back and standing on your tiptoes. Holding this position can effectively strengthen your core. Moreover, the buoyancy helps relieve stress from your spine.
3. Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand)
This one may sound tricky, but in reality, it is simple. Handstand is a pose that comes with practice, but it is not that difficult to do it underwater. To do so, you should be able to hold your breath underwater for a short time comfortably. Once you go under water, work your way to the shallower end since it helps you balance. You can dive down and place your hands on the bottom firmly for support and let your feet slowly go up in the air. You will notice that is pose is much easier in water than doing it on land.
4. Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose)
To perform this pose, you would need the firm support of a pool's side wall. You can start by standing with your spine straight and one arm stretched out for support. Bend the outer leg and lift the knee towards your chest. Next, grab the big toe and straighten the leg as much as possible while maintaining the straightness of your back. You can switch sides and repeat the steps. It will eventually help you stand tall and balanced.
5. Navasana (Boat Pose)
Sounds apt for water yoga, doesn’t it? To perform this, you need the support of pool props. Grab two noodles and press them down gently into the water. While doing this, you need to work on your core muscles and let your legs float in front of you. Hold this position and breathe while letting the water support your legs. Remember to keep your core firm, and the water will support your balance.
Aqua Yoga is low impact and gentle. Hence, it does not put a lot of stress on your muscles and joints. In fact, it strengthens your muscles and joints while relieving most weight-bearing issues. Most yoga poses can be adapted in water, especially those that are difficult to balance on land. The water serves as a natural prop to help the body balance itself and stay upright. Many physical therapists use water as a method for assisting patients with health issues such as arthritis and post-operation recovery. Try Aqua Yoga and bask in its benefits!
Nisha has a great passion towards writing and loves the idea of sharing her passion. She has written many articles on yoga, fitness, wellness, remedies, and beauty. She has contributed to StyleCraze and amongthirty, among other websites.