Every yoga pose or asana is a form of stretching exercise. In reality, there are as many stretches as there are yoga poses or asanas. The basic qualitative difference in yoga as compared to other forms of exercise is not what you do, but it’s been done. The various poses in Yoga that concentrate on the entire body stretching include basic Yoga stretching poses such as - the equal standing pose, the mountain pose, and the staff pose. As you progress in practicing yoga on a daily basis, moderate yoga poses or stretching exercises such as the bridge pose, the lateral angle or the sideways stretch, the cobra pose, The tree pose, the bow pose are further forms of stretching exercises. Advanced yoga poses that can be practiced after you have achieved the desired flexibility include the headstand pose, and the different types of sun salutations. It is important that you always relax before beginning a yoga session. Take deep breaths and allow your body to relax as you breathe out with your eyes closed. All stretching exercises in yoga have to be coordinated with the correct breathing technique to achieve desired results. Breathing is as important as the stretching in a yoga pose.
Generally, you must breathe in deeply as your body opens up. As you stretch up, bend back and open your arms your body must naturally breathe in and out. It is really important to harmonize the yoga pose and the breathing in tandem. The motions in yoga and the breathing must begin and end at the same time. However once you have achieved the pose with the body stretching according to the pose, you must relax and hold your balance. However if you are not able to release the pose with the desired control: it is likely that you have been holding the pose for too long or that you have stretched beyond your means. It is also likely that you would have tried an extension of the particular pose or performed a version of the pose that your body is not yet prepared to do. Always climb upwards beginning from basic yoga exercises.
Do not move about or bounce when holding a pose or stretching your body into a pose. Almost all yoga stretching poses profit from maintaining a deep stretch, as it helps to exercise and tone the muscle of the particular body part being stretched. Some poses such as the level 3 Utkatasana calls for a bouncing motion when holding the pose in order to manifest muscle control; however this particular pose in not a stretching pose and hence is an exception to the rule.
