For more than three decades, Robert Whirry has worked as a freelance program development consultant in Los Angeles, California, where he has provided key input on the state’s HIV prevention measures. Outside of his professional life, Robert Whirry maintains an active yoga practice.
Yoga helps practitioners to develop a sense of inner connection and promotes physical flexibility, and in more vigorous practices, it can lead to improved cardiovascular health. Those just starting out should work to master basic poses before moving on to the more difficult ones. Two fundamental yoga poses are mountain pose and cobra pose.
Mountain pose is one of the core poses and is part of many different types of yoga. To perform this pose, stand up straight, place the feet next to one another, and let the shoulders drop away from the ears. On a deep inhale, bring the arms above the head, palms inward facing one another, and reach upwards.
For Cobra pose, start by lying face down. The legs should be stretched out long with the top of each foot pressing into the mat. With the hands spread beneath the shoulders, press down with them and engage the glutes as you flex the hips downward, pushing your upper body upward to face forward.
Beginners are always advised to work with a trained yoga instructor to ensure proper posture and form.
