Gentle Yoga Sequence – Slow and Gentle Yoga For Good Health

Yoga practice is a fad word thrown around these days. With Instagram, yogis posting photographs in meditative poses, it has become a trend to be a yogi. But sitting cross-legged with both eyes closed is not yoga. There are different styles like Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Kundalini among others. But it is gentle yoga sequence that takes the cake.

Gentle yoga focuses on proper movement, alignment, and breathing. This yoga style is all about discovering your true self at a comfortable pace. But, there is a lot more this yoga style has to offer.

Gentle Yoga – A Brief Introduction

As the name suggests, Gentle yoga is a yoga style that is gentle and smooth in practice. This is a less intensive, minimalistic, and contemplative yoga practice. You practice less strenuous yoga asanas at a slower pace. The Gentle yoga sequence includes meditation, yogic breathwork, and relaxation.

Let us now find out for whom this yoga style is most suitable.

Who Can Practice Gentle Yoga Sequence?

Gentle yoga is best for those who are new to yoga. It is good for those who want to practice yoga with a gentle approach. The Gentle yoga sequence is beneficial for senior citizens. It lets them practice yoga with safety. Even with an injury or limited mobility, you can still practice Gentle yoga.

How Do I Get Started With Gentle Yoga?

You can hold Gentle yoga poses for longer duration. Yoga experts recommend that you do a proper warm-up before starting the practice.

Doing proper warm-up before Gentle yoga sequence opens up a world of benefits for you.

Benefits of Gentle Yoga Sequence

• Gentle yoga practice gives you a host of benefits. These include a renewed physiological, emotional, and spiritual health. The best part is you do not need to exert for the benefits to arrive.

• Gentle yoga is beneficial for your body. The deep breathing and contemplation relaxes your mind. This yoga practice is beneficial for your central nervous system.

• A Gentle yoga sequence lubricates your joints and relaxes the muscles. It also keeps ligaments and tendons warm. This strengthens the neurological impulses.

• This yoga style is beneficial for your nervous system. It activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).

• Gentle yoga increases your lung capacity. It also strengthens the muscles that control your breathing.

• The Gentle yoga sequence reduces stress levels. These also help you relax and recover after a tiring day.

Gentle yoga can handle Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

But, there are a few differences between Gentle yoga and other yoga styles.

Gentle Yoga vs Traditional Yoga Styles

Gentle yoga forms include Yin yoga and Restorative yoga. Both yoga styles focus on complete relaxation of body and mind. The Gentle yoga sequence cleanses and liberates your mind.

Let us take a look at what makes Gentle yoga different from others.

• Gentle yoga is a slow-paced yoga style. But Vinyasa yoga includes fast-paced yoga asanas which you practice with deep breathing. This yoga style has more athletic poses which you do not hold for longer periods.

• The second yoga style from which Gentle yoga sequence is different is Hatha yoga. If you add slow-paced flow in Hatha yoga, it becomes Gentle Hatha-style yoga. Hatha yoga does not follow any flow in comparison to Gentle yoga.

• There is a difference between Gentle and Iyengar yoga. Iyengar yoga uses props to help you practice different yoga asanas.

It is time we take a look at some of the yoga poses you practice in the Gentle yoga sequence.

Yoga Poses in Gentle Yoga Sequence

The majority of yoga poses in Gentle yoga sequence are suitable for beginners. Yoga experts recommend you sit on the floor. This helps keep your body stable to practice the pose.

Seated Side Bend

• Start in the Easy pose. Sit on the yoga mat with your sitting bones touching the mat.

• Cross your shins parallel to the mat. Lengthen your spine.

• Push your sit bones into the ground. Create some length through the crown of your head.

• Place your right hand on the floor. Keep your elbow slightly bent or straight.

• Inhale. Reach your left arm up and overhead.

• Exhale. Lean to the right side.

• Hold this position for 30 seconds.

• Change sides and repeat.

Note: Yoga experts recommend that you keep both hips grounded during this Gentle Yoga sequence. When you lean your torso to the right, pull your rib cage to the left.

2. Seated Spinal Twist

• Start in the Easy pose. Keep your back straight and relax both arms. Inhale.

• Exhale. Keep your right hand on the left knee.

• Twist your torso to the left side.

• Relax your shoulders and neck.

• Soften your belly. Lift the sternum to extend the torso.

• Hold this pose for 30 seconds.

• Change sides and repeat.

Note: Draw your tailbone towards the floor. Keep your lower back straight.

3. Head-to-Knee Forward Bend Pose

• Sit on the floor. Keep both feet together and extend your legs.

• Bend your right knee. Bring the sole of your right foot close to the left thigh.

• Exhale. Hinge at the hips. Lower your torso and reach your left foot.

• Hold this position for 30 seconds.

Conclusion

Do you want to practice a yoga style that is easy on the body and mind? Join a certified yoga school to learn Gentle yoga sequence from experienced yoga teachers.