6 Yoga Poses You Can Perform To Keep Your Heart Strong And Healthy

Did you know, Yoga helps to improve heart health and even reduces a person's risk of heart disease. So, start doing yoga and you can benefit from these yoga poses for heart health. Yoga is a physical practice that emphasizes breath, focus and meditation. Practicing yoga brings a deeper awareness of the body, mind and emotions allowing the yogi to become more in tuned with their physical and mental health. Yoga builds cardiovascular health, increases lung capacity, and improves respiratory function and heart rate. It also boosts blood circulation, builds muscle, and decreases inflammation.

# Anjali Mudra

Similar to our ‘namaste’, sit cross-legged on the floor and bring your palms together with the fingers stretching out to the centre of your chest (heart chakra). This represents the harmony of the two sides (right and left). Now close your eyes and slowly inhale, hold your breath for a few minutes, and then exhale. Continue this pattern for a few minutes.

# The Bridge Pose

Lie down on your back with your hands stretched sideways now fold your knees, spread them out and raise your body up from your pelvis area. Take support from your hands and hold the position. This works wonders on your hips, thighs, stomach as well as back.

# Triangular Pose

Start with a wide-legged stance; turn your right foot out. Now stretch your arms out, wide open pushing the right side of your waistline over your right leg and slowly go down, facing downwards with a flat back. Keep your right palm on the ground (you can choose to keep it in front of your right foot or behind it) or on a block with your left arm stretched upwards. Repeat the other side.

# Savasana

Lie down on your back with your eyes closed, arms by your sides, palms facing up and legs stretched out. Let your ankles fall outward. Then slowly start inhaling and exhaling as you melt deeper into the floor with each breath. Stay in this pose for a minimum of 5 minutes.

# Cobra Pose

The asana works on your spine, shoulder, abdomen and also helps relieve stress and fatigue. Lie down on your stomach with your hands next to your chest and slowly push your body upward. Concentrate on your breathing and feel the stretch in your abdomen as well as spine going down to your buttocks.

# Seated Forward Bend

This involves sitting with your legs stretched in front and joined together. Now, try to bend forward and touch your feet without bending your knees. You can even try to rest your head on your knees if possible. The asana is great for flexibility. This facilitates in bringing down the heart rate and relaxing your system.