Usually, yoga is associated with being flexible and practice various asanas (motions) that help us become more flexible. But, yoga can also be used to develop strength. This is done, by holding ourselves in the position through our own resistance and discipline, while we stretch, such as in this photo. I’m stretching the sides, but keeping my hips still and facing forward, which enables me to get a focused movement on the sides, while using focused breathing. The motion becomes a dynamic between stretching and holding.

Another simple example to try, is while you stretch out the front part of your thighs by bending your knee and holding your foot behind you, try to also squeeze your butt and push it slightly forward. Can you feel the difference?

Learning to hold our positions, is what enable us to develop strength. Something that can be translated and used in life too.

To see a video with the side stretch, click here.