It is a well-known fact that practicing yoga can lead to numerous benefits for your physical, spiritual and mental health. The ancient practice can help in easing minor pain, reducing stress, improving sleep quality and relieving anxiety. But, not many people are aware that yoga can also offer a ton of advantages to their legs. Whether you do yoga poses lying down, or standing, they can improve strength and flexibility in your lower body and also improve balance.
How does it benefit legs?
There are some standing balancing and strength poses that you have to hold until your legs start shaking. This actually activates your muscles and creates the mind-body connection that makes yoga one of the best mindful exercises. Yoga poses are able to balance stretching and strengthening and this makes them great because this is the key to have stronger, healthier and more flexible legs. But, not all yoga poses can offer these benefits. There are some specific ones that can provide you the benefits you are looking for. Let’s take a look.
Downward-facing dog pose
One of the most popular yoga poses, especially for beginners, the downward-facing dog can have a lot of benefits for your legs. This pose stretches your calves, hamstrings, glutes and lower back. You will also be able to stretch a number of muscles in your upper body, which includes your upper back and shoulders.
Warrior II pose
If you are looking for the ultimate standing yoga pose, you cannot go wrong with Warrior II, as it lengthens and tones the muscles in your legs. You can energize your legs with this pose, help develop better stability and balance and also stretch your groin muscles and hips.
Triangle pose
The triangle pose is another one that can be good for your legs, as this one stretches and lengthens muscles in your back, hips and thighs. In fact, you will also feel your hamstrings get stretched.
Half moon pose
It is another standing pose that is good for strengthening your core, ankles, glutes and quads. In fact, you can also stretch your groin muscles, calves and hamstrings in the half moon pose.
Sugarcane pose
If you are looking to make the half moon pose more challenging, or are looking for variation, then you can give the sugarcane pose a try. Thanks to this variation, you will be able to get the benefits of the half moon pose and also open the hip flexors of your top leg.
Bridge pose
Not only can the bridge pose help you open your chest and hips, but is also great for strengthening your lower back, hamstrings and glutes.
Waterfall pose
You should also have a recovery pose in your yoga routine and the waterfall pose is a great fit. This one is helpful in relieving the swelling in your legs and feet. Therefore, it is an excellent option for anyone who is suffering from sciatica, varicose veins, or any condition that causes pain in your legs when you stand.
