Yoga has a plethora of benefits to its name. One of those benefits is making you more flexible!

If you’re looking to work on your flexibility, there is honestly nothing better than yoga. Most people have this misconception that flexibility is a prerequisite for getting into a yoga routine so they never really think about this exercise as something which could help them become flexible.

Although there are certain complex moves where you have to bend your foot behind your head, you can always (and should) start slow and simple.

Here we have explained a sequence of steps that all yoga beginners must try to build strength as well as flexibility.

• Upward Facing Dog

A good way to do this pose is to get into a full-plank position. Lower your body to the floor till your toes and knees touch the ground, while your torso remains elevated. Look straight ahead and pull your chest outward, with your fingers pointed to the front. Tuck your elbows in close to your ribcage. Keeping your arms straight and using the strength of your hands, slightly lift your knees, hips, and thighs off the floor.

Stay in this position for at least 30 seconds.

• Downward Facing Dog

For the downward facing dog, you need to form an upside-down V-shaped position with your body.

Get down on your hands and knees, and then gradually lift your hips upwards. Keep your feet apart at the same distance as your hip’s width with the knees just under the hips and toes tucked. Your upper body must be facing downwards but your palms must be stretched on the mat with fingers pointing forward.

Hold this pose for 30 seconds, it will help you to stretch your back, hamstrings, shoulders, and just about everything.

• Revolved Chair Variation

This position may sound complicated but it is pretty easy to do.  Start by standing up on the mat, with your back straight and shoulders pushed back. Next bring your palms together. Then slowly bend your knees and your body forward, like you may be sitting on a chair.

Now, twist your upper body towards the right, place your left elbow on your right knee. Shift your gaze towards the ceiling.

Keep this position for 30 to 60 second and then shift sides.

• Downward Dog Split

This is a variation of downward facing dog.

First, position yourself according to the directions given in position number 2. After that slowly lift your right leg till it reaches the same level as your hips then gradually bring it down again. Repeat this motion thrice and then do the same thing with the left leg.

• Standing Half Forward Ben

You start this position by standing up straight. Then gradually bend your body forward, push your hips upwards, and bring your palms to your knees. Slightly lift your head so that you are looking ahead. Do not let your back crouch; you need to keep it straight whilst you remain in this position.

Hold this arched-back position for 30 seconds. This yoga pose will enable your entire body to stretch well.

• Extended Triangle Pose

Stand straight with your feet close together. Gradually move them wide apart, as you do that keep your right foot out at a 90 degrees angle whereas your left foot must be pointing forward. Next, stretch your arms– Your right arm should be stretched out, facing towards the ceiling while your left arm should be touching the ground, straight. After that, direct your gaze towards the ceiling where your right thumb is.

Hold this position for 30 seconds and then switch sides so that your legs and arms get stretched equally.

In the end, we suggest that you take time to perform these simple yoga positions in your daily routine. The outcome will be a flexible body and a calmer mind!