Sivananda Yoga Postures

Internationally, Yoga has gained immense popularity. As a result it has become a type of trend in the western world.  Students of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers attend sessions for a number of reasons. Whether it is to relax the physically and mentally or to engage in physical exercise, Yoga instructors tell students to give themselves credit. This, for taking time, to think of their minds and bodies, by taking up Yoga.  This Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers have caught the attention of a large number of students. Many of them go to classes and activities at the Center on a regular basis, some for years.

There is a miscellaneous blend of age groups. However a large number of the students come from the middle age group and mostly comprise older women.  Men, most of them middle-aged or above also attend classes. But these are in smaller numbers.  The participants are also from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. Very few students are ethnically South Asian.

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers are run by volunteers who are, by and large, all of them, trained Yoga instructors with Teachers’ Training Certifications (TTCs).  All the teachers and instructors have spiritual names, mostly given by Swamiji, himself. Many teach classes; others take care of administrative tasks. They coordinate special activities.  The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers have always striven to be conventional in their methods of imparting Yoga training.  Not only do they offer students an assortment of yoga classes they even provide regular meditation sessions, other celebrations, lectures, concerts, and workshops that are free for all.    

The 12 fundamental postures of Sivananda Yoga are:                                              

• Headstand – Sirshasana                                               
• Shoulderstand – Sarvangasana
• Plough pose – Halasana
• Fish pose – Matsyasana
• Forward bend – Paschimotthanasana
• Cobra pose – Bhujangasana
• Locust pose – Salabhasana
• The bow pose – Dhanurasana
• The spinal twist – Ardha Matsyendrasana
• The crow pose – Kakasana
• Hands to feet pose – Padahastasana
• Triangle pose – Trikonasana