Ishita Roy

6 Safe Prenatal Yoga Poses For Every Trimester

Pregnant Yoga

Practising <span>yoga</span> during <span>pregnancy</span> can be beneficial for both, your body and your mind. It offers gentle stretches, relaxation, and strength-building that prepare the mother for birth. 

Certain poses and movements, however, must be modified, or avoided altogether to ensure safety and comfort. Here is a trimester-by-trimester guide to safe and supportive <span>yoga poses</span> during pregnancy. 

<h4>First Trimester: Building Strength and Releasing Tension</h4>

In the first trimester, you can maintain your usual physical activity, you make minor modifications for safety. Focus on strength-building poses to support your back and hops and avoid any fast or intense movements. 

Sit on a cushion or folded blanket with your left leg extended

Place the sole of your left foot against your inner right thigh

Inhale as you reach your arms overhead, then exhale to fold forward gently

Hold for up to one minute, then switch sides

Modification Tip: Place a cushion under your knee for support and use a strap around the ball of your foot to ease the stretch. 

Inhale as you arch your spine, lower your belly and look up

Exhale as you round your spine, tuck your chin to your chest

<h4>Second Trimester: Embracing Flexibility With Caution </h4>

The hormone relaxin in this period increases flexibility by loosening ligaments. During this period, it is best to avoid deep twists, intense backbends or hot yoga. 

Sit on the edge of a cushion, and press the soles of your feet together

Bring your feet in toward your hips to deepen the stretch

Hold this position for up to one minute, and repeat it 2 to 4 times

Modification Tip: Place a cushion under your knees for added support, or recline back on a cushion to reduce pressure on the spine. 

Start on all four limbs, bring your big toes together and spread your knees wide

Lower your hips back onto your heels and reach your arms forward

Hold for up to one minute, breathing deeply

<h4>Third Trimester: Moving Mindfully</h4>

As the baby grows, it might be more challenging to move with ease, thus practising mindful movements with breaks as needed could avoid intense twists. 

Step your left foot back, aligning it with your right heel

Open your hips to face the side and raise your arms parallel to the floor

Bend your front knee, making sure it stays aligned over your ankle

Modification Tip: Perform this pose next to a wall for support, or place a chair under your front thigh for added stability.

Sit on a cushion, crossing one leg over the other

Place your hands in a comfortable position and close your eyes, breathing deeply

Hold for up to one minute, then switch leg positions

Modification Tip: Use cushions under your knees or sit with your back against a wall for extra support.

<strong><em>Disclaimer: This is not a medical advisory, to ensure complete safety while practising yoga during pregnancy, please consult your doctor and trainer. </em></strong>

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Practising yoga during pregnancy can be beneficial for both, your body and your mind. It offers gentle stretches, relaxation, and strength-building that prepare the mother for birth. Certain poses and movements, however, must be modified, or avoided altogether to ensure safety and comfort. Here is a trimester-by-trimester guide to safe and supportive yoga poses during pregnancy. First Trimester: Building Strength and Releasing TensionIn the first trimester, you can maintain your usual physical activity, you make minor modifications for safety. Focus on strength-building poses to support your back and hops and avoid any fast or intense movements. Head-to-Knee Forward BendSit on a cushion or folded blanket with your left leg extendedPlace the sole of your left foot against your inner right thighInhale as you reach your arms overhead, then exhale to fold forward gentlyHold for up to one minute, then switch sidesModification Tip: Place a cushion under your knee for support and use a strap around the ball of your foot to ease the stretch. Cat-Cow PoseBegin on all four limbsInhale as you arch your spine, lower your belly and look upExhale as you round your spine, tuck your chin to your chestRepeat for up to one minuteSecond Trimester: Embracing Flexibility With Caution The hormone relaxin in this period increases flexibility by loosening ligaments. During this period, it is best to avoid deep twists, intense backbends or hot yoga. Bound Angle PoseSit on the edge of a cushion, and press the soles of your feet togetherBring your feet in toward your hips to deepen the stretchHold this position for up to one minute, and repeat it 2 to 4 timesModification Tip: Place a cushion under your knees for added support, or recline back on a cushion to reduce pressure on the spine. Child's PoseStart on all four limbs, bring your big toes together and spread your knees wideLower your hips back onto your heels and reach your arms forwardHold for up to one minute, breathing deeplyThird Trimester: Moving MindfullyAs the baby grows, it might be more challenging to move with ease, thus practising mindful movements with breaks as needed could avoid intense twists. Warrior II PoseStep your left foot back, aligning it with your right heelOpen your hips to face the side and raise your arms parallel to the floorBend your front knee, making sure it stays aligned over your ankleHold for 30 seconds, then switch sidesModification Tip: Perform this pose next to a wall for support, or place a chair under your front thigh for added stability.Easy PoseSit on a cushion, crossing one leg over the otherPlace your hands in a comfortable position and close your eyes, breathing deeplyHold for up to one minute, then switch leg positionsModification Tip: Use cushions under your knees or sit with your back against a wall for extra support.Disclaimer: This is not a medical advisory, to ensure complete safety while practising yoga during pregnancy, please consult your doctor and trainer. 

6 safe prenatal yoga poses for every trimester

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Good posture is super important for a healthy spine and strong upper back muscles. But simply sitting up straight isn't always enough to prevent or fix upper <span>back pain</span>. That's where <span>yoga poses</span> can really help! 

Everyday habits, things like texting, typing on a computer, or carrying a heavy bag can worsen your pain. Medical experts also point to overusing your back muscles or pressure on your spinal nerves from a herniated disc as other common causes. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Yoga Poses For Upper Back Pain</span> </h2>

While <span>yoga</span> can definitely help ease upper back pain, it's important to practice safely to avoid further injury. Claudia Jasper advises that when you do these stretches, always be mindful not to let your shoulders roll forward. Instead, actively roll your shoulders back throughout your practice. This movement helps your shoulder blades slide down your back, opening your chest and keeping your spine long and healthy. 

If you have ongoing (chronic) upper back pain, always talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. 

<h2>Cat Pose (Marjaryasana) and Cow Pose (Bitilasana) </h2>

This gentle flow is a fantastic way to warm up and energize your upper back. Make sure to move slowly and smoothly between the two poses. You can do this classic pair on your hands and knees (Tabletop position) or even while sitting comfortably in Easy Pose. 

<h2>Thread the Needle Pose (Urdhva Mukha Pasasana) </h2>

This calming pose is excellent for opening your upper back and releasing tension in your shoulders. It encourages your shoulder blades to move away from your spine, creating more length and space. Start from a Tabletop position to enter this pose. 

Eagle Arms is a great stretch for your upper back and shoulders. You can do this arm position on its own, while sitting in a chair, or as part of the full Eagle Pose. You can also combine it with Hero Pose for added benefits. 

<h2>Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana) </h2>

Can't decide between the relaxation of Child's Pose and the stretch of Downward-Facing Dog? Extended Puppy Pose combines elements of both! It helps to lengthen and stretch your entire spine. Claudia Jasper loves this pose for opening the chest and shoulders, which is key for relieving upper back pain. You can even place a block under your forehead for extra comfort. 

Camel Pose is a favorite of Jasper's for upper back relief. This gentle backbend opens your heart, chest, and shoulders, allowing you to breathe more deeply into your upper body. You can adjust how deep the stretch is by keeping your hands on your lower back or placing them on blocks. 

<h2>Supported Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) </h2>

Give your upper back some much-needed relief in this supported, relaxing pose. Claudia Jasper particularly likes using a bolster (a long pillow) for an extra chest stretch. To set up, place the bolster along your spine at the top of your mat. Sit down at the top of your mat, bring the soles of your feet together with your knees spread open, and gently lie back onto the bolster so it's aligned with your spine. 

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Good posture is super important for a healthy spine and strong upper back muscles. But simply sitting up straight isn't always enough to prevent or fix upper back pain. That's where yoga poses can really help! Everyday habits, things like texting, typing on a computer, or carrying a heavy bag can worsen your pain. Medical experts also point to overusing your back muscles or pressure on your spinal nerves from a herniated disc as other common causes. Yoga Poses For Upper Back Pain While yoga can definitely help ease upper back pain, it's important to practice safely to avoid further injury. Claudia Jasper advises that when you do these stretches, always be mindful not to let your shoulders roll forward. Instead, actively roll your shoulders back throughout your practice. This movement helps your shoulder blades slide down your back, opening your chest and keeping your spine long and healthy. If you have ongoing (chronic) upper back pain, always talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. Cat Pose (Marjaryasana) and Cow Pose (Bitilasana) This gentle flow is a fantastic way to warm up and energize your upper back. Make sure to move slowly and smoothly between the two poses. You can do this classic pair on your hands and knees (Tabletop position) or even while sitting comfortably in Easy Pose. Thread the Needle Pose (Urdhva Mukha Pasasana) This calming pose is excellent for opening your upper back and releasing tension in your shoulders. It encourages your shoulder blades to move away from your spine, creating more length and space. Start from a Tabletop position to enter this pose. Eagle Arms (Garudasana) Eagle Arms is a great stretch for your upper back and shoulders. You can do this arm position on its own, while sitting in a chair, or as part of the full Eagle Pose. You can also combine it with Hero Pose for added benefits. Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana) Can't decide between the relaxation of Child's Pose and the stretch of Downward-Facing Dog? Extended Puppy Pose combines elements of both! It helps to lengthen and stretch your entire spine. Claudia Jasper loves this pose for opening the chest and shoulders, which is key for relieving upper back pain. You can even place a block under your forehead for extra comfort. Camel Pose (Ustrasana) Camel Pose is a favorite of Jasper's for upper back relief. This gentle backbend opens your heart, chest, and shoulders, allowing you to breathe more deeply into your upper body. You can adjust how deep the stretch is by keeping your hands on your lower back or placing them on blocks. Supported Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) Give your upper back some much-needed relief in this supported, relaxing pose. Claudia Jasper particularly likes using a bolster (a long pillow) for an extra chest stretch. To set up, place the bolster along your spine at the top of your mat. Sit down at the top of your mat, bring the soles of your feet together with your knees spread open, and gently lie back onto the bolster so it's aligned with your spine. 

experiencing sharp back pain? tackle upper back pain with these yoga poses

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You've just finished a long trip, whether by car, plane, or train, and your body feels stiff and achy. Being cooped up in small spaces can leave you feeling tense and uncomfortable. But what if you could stretch out and feel better right from your seat? 

Yoga is a fantastic stress reliever. Through deep breathing exercises and mindful movements, it helps calm your nervous system, lowering stress hormones like cortisol. This shift from a "fight or flight" state to a more relaxed one helps your body restore itself, leading to feelings of tranquility and mental clarity. 

Regular yoga practice can also significantly improve sleep quality. By reducing stress and calming the mind, it prepares your body for a deeper, more restful sleep, which is essential for feeling truly rejuvenated. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">How Yoga After Travel Helps</span> </h2>

Yoga helps your muscles and joints in several key ways. Its gentle stretches increase your flexibility and range of motion, allowing your joints to move more easily and reducing daily stiffness and aches. Poses to Ease Travel Aches and Pains 

Here are shares easy yet effective yoga tips for long car rides and other travel, even when space is tight. These simple motions can help you feel much better and make your journey more comfortable. 

This gentle movement helps your spine become more flexible and lubricated, creating subtle space between your backbones. It also increases blood flow, which can help you feel refreshed. Remember to coordinate your breath with the movement, exhaling as you lean forward and inhaling as you round your spine. 

Even in a cramped airplane or car seat, you can give your back a good stretch. These twists gently stretch your middle body, ribs, and the muscles you use for breathing. They can even provide a light massage to your internal organs, helping you feel more relaxed and comfortable on your journey. 

Simple and effective, slow neck rolls are easy to do on any trip. They loosen tight muscles, helping to ease tension that often builds up in your shoulders and neck during travel. Just imagine your nose drawing a slow circle on a clock in front of you, letting the weight of your head guide the stretch. 

Release tension and loosen up your shoulder muscles with these easy, yet impactful, rolls. Slightly scoot forward in your seat so your back isn't touching the seatback. Then, draw circles with your shoulders, first in one direction (thinking "up, back, and down"), and then reverse. Keep your breath steady with each roll. 

This simple stretch is excellent for your lower and upper back. While it might require a little more room to lean forward, it's perfect for getting some movement in at the airport terminal or on trains and buses. Remember to keep your feet flat and breathe deeply as you fold forward gently. 

When you're on the go, the main idea is to move your body in different ways and pay attention to what it needs. Try to move as much as you can to help your blood flow, and always remember to breathe deeply. 

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You've just finished a long trip, whether by car, plane, or train, and your body feels stiff and achy. Being cooped up in small spaces can leave you feeling tense and uncomfortable. But what if you could stretch out and feel better right from your seat? Yoga is a fantastic stress reliever. Through deep breathing exercises and mindful movements, it helps calm your nervous system, lowering stress hormones like cortisol. This shift from a "fight or flight" state to a more relaxed one helps your body restore itself, leading to feelings of tranquility and mental clarity. Regular yoga practice can also significantly improve sleep quality. By reducing stress and calming the mind, it prepares your body for a deeper, more restful sleep, which is essential for feeling truly rejuvenated. How Yoga After Travel Helps Yoga helps your muscles and joints in several key ways. Its gentle stretches increase your flexibility and range of motion, allowing your joints to move more easily and reducing daily stiffness and aches. Poses to Ease Travel Aches and Pains Here are shares easy yet effective yoga tips for long car rides and other travel, even when space is tight. These simple motions can help you feel much better and make your journey more comfortable. Seated Cat-Cow Pose This gentle movement helps your spine become more flexible and lubricated, creating subtle space between your backbones. It also increases blood flow, which can help you feel refreshed. Remember to coordinate your breath with the movement, exhaling as you lean forward and inhaling as you round your spine. Seated Spinal Twist Even in a cramped airplane or car seat, you can give your back a good stretch. These twists gently stretch your middle body, ribs, and the muscles you use for breathing. They can even provide a light massage to your internal organs, helping you feel more relaxed and comfortable on your journey. Neck Rolls Simple and effective, slow neck rolls are easy to do on any trip. They loosen tight muscles, helping to ease tension that often builds up in your shoulders and neck during travel. Just imagine your nose drawing a slow circle on a clock in front of you, letting the weight of your head guide the stretch. Shoulder Rolls Release tension and loosen up your shoulder muscles with these easy, yet impactful, rolls. Slightly scoot forward in your seat so your back isn't touching the seatback. Then, draw circles with your shoulders, first in one direction (thinking "up, back, and down"), and then reverse. Keep your breath steady with each roll. Seated Forward Fold This simple stretch is excellent for your lower and upper back. While it might require a little more room to lean forward, it's perfect for getting some movement in at the airport terminal or on trains and buses. Remember to keep your feet flat and breathe deeply as you fold forward gently. When you're on the go, the main idea is to move your body in different ways and pay attention to what it needs. Try to move as much as you can to help your blood flow, and always remember to breathe deeply. 

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Everyone has their own goals and understandings of why they wish to <span>exercise in the gym</span>. Some people do so because they wish to lose weight, others do it to gain weight and increase muscle density. However, many people believe that building muscle takes time and a lot of effort. 

But do you actually need to spend hours at the gym to build muscle or get stronger? A recent study from Florida Atlantic University suggests otherwise. Researchers indicate that just a few focused sets might be all you need to see significant progress this summer. 

Published as a preprint on SportRxiv, the study reviewed numerous earlier investigations into training volume (how many sets per workout) and frequency (how often you train each week). 

The findings suggest you don't need super long gym sessions to get stronger or build muscle. There's a point where doing more doesn't really help, and it might even work against you, especially when you think about getting tired and how much time it takes. This goes against the common idea that doing more always leads to better results. 

<h2>Finding the "Just Right" Amount for Gains </h2>

The team looked at how the amount you train affects both how much your muscles grow and how strong you get. They found that doing more exercises can help, but only up to a certain point. 

For muscle growth, the benefits kept increasing until about 11 sets that involved the muscle indirectly or directly in one session. For strength, the best number was even smaller: just two sets that directly targeted the muscle or movement. 

<h2>What's the Difference Between Set Types? </h2>

It's helpful to know the difference between two kinds of sets: 

Fractional sets count all the work for a muscle group, whether it's the main exercise or not. For example, exercises for your triceps (the back of your arm) help with chest strength because they assist in pushing. So, even if you're not directly doing a chest exercise, triceps work can count. 

Direct sets, on the other hand, focus specifically on the muscle or movement you're testing. Think of doing bench presses to build chest strength – that's a direct set for your chest. 

<h2>Discovering the Point of No Extra Benefit </h2>

The study brought up a new idea: the Point of Undetectable Outcome Superiority (PUOS). This is the moment when doing more sets doesn't really add much extra benefit. The researchers believe this idea can help people create more efficient workout plans, saving them time while still getting results. 

If you're mainly looking to get stronger, the main takeaway is simple: doing just one to two tough, dedicated sets in each workout can really pay off! 

Instead of just adding more sets to a single workout, if you want to get stronger, you might get better results by working out more often but with shorter, more focused sessions. 

One thing you must keep in mind is that this study has not yet undergone peer review, and its findings should be considered preliminary. Of course, some people want to get every last bit of muscle growth they can, no matter how much effort it takes. For them, trying out higher amounts of sets makes sense, as long as they pay close attention to how well their body recovers. 

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Everyone has their own goals and understandings of why they wish to exercise in the gym. Some people do so because they wish to lose weight, others do it to gain weight and increase muscle density. However, many people believe that building muscle takes time and a lot of effort. But do you actually need to spend hours at the gym to build muscle or get stronger? A recent study from Florida Atlantic University suggests otherwise. Researchers indicate that just a few focused sets might be all you need to see significant progress this summer. Volume vs. Frequency Published as a preprint on SportRxiv, the study reviewed numerous earlier investigations into training volume (how many sets per workout) and frequency (how often you train each week). The findings suggest you don't need super long gym sessions to get stronger or build muscle. There's a point where doing more doesn't really help, and it might even work against you, especially when you think about getting tired and how much time it takes. This goes against the common idea that doing more always leads to better results. Finding the "Just Right" Amount for Gains The team looked at how the amount you train affects both how much your muscles grow and how strong you get. They found that doing more exercises can help, but only up to a certain point. For muscle growth, the benefits kept increasing until about 11 sets that involved the muscle indirectly or directly in one session. For strength, the best number was even smaller: just two sets that directly targeted the muscle or movement. What's the Difference Between Set Types? It's helpful to know the difference between two kinds of sets: Fractional sets count all the work for a muscle group, whether it's the main exercise or not. For example, exercises for your triceps (the back of your arm) help with chest strength because they assist in pushing. So, even if you're not directly doing a chest exercise, triceps work can count. Direct sets, on the other hand, focus specifically on the muscle or movement you're testing. Think of doing bench presses to build chest strength – that's a direct set for your chest. Discovering the Point of No Extra Benefit The study brought up a new idea: the Point of Undetectable Outcome Superiority (PUOS). This is the moment when doing more sets doesn't really add much extra benefit. The researchers believe this idea can help people create more efficient workout plans, saving them time while still getting results. If you're mainly looking to get stronger, the main takeaway is simple: doing just one to two tough, dedicated sets in each workout can really pay off! Instead of just adding more sets to a single workout, if you want to get stronger, you might get better results by working out more often but with shorter, more focused sessions. One thing you must keep in mind is that this study has not yet undergone peer review, and its findings should be considered preliminary. Of course, some people want to get every last bit of muscle growth they can, no matter how much effort it takes. For them, trying out higher amounts of sets makes sense, as long as they pay close attention to how well their body recovers. 

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