Asana in Sanskrit means "seat", it is a physical positions assumed during the practice of yoga While doing any yogic exercise. Asanas are special positions of the body that strengthen, purify and balance the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems. In simple words it can be defined as yoga postures or positions.
it is very important to be alert and be conscious of what you are doing. Concentration and relaxation play a vital role in the practice of yoga asanas. The early morning is the best time to perform them and the place chosen should be such that the disturbance is to the minimum. Don't go beyond your personal limitations, but extend your boundaries gently. Doing the asanas correctly means doing them to the best of your ability without straining.
There are several asanas, each with a unique purpose and benefit. The best way to understand the power and point of the movements is to learn from an instructor. Although most yoga exercises are safe for nearly everyone, certain positions such as twist should not be done by pregnant women or people with back problems. An instructor will guide your body into the right asana to improve form and avoid injury.
Below is a list of the some of the most common asanas used today, but remember that this list is not conclusive:
The Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendra Asana)
The Fish (Matsya Asana)
The Shoulder Stand (Sarvang Asana)
The Bow (Dhanur Asana)
Cobra (Bhujanga Asana)
Basic Breathing (Pranayama)
The Corpse Pose (Shava Asana)
The Lotus (Padma Asana)
Forward bend (Paschimothana Asana)
The Plough (Hala Asana)
The Locust (Salabha Asana)
The Headstand (Shirsh Asana)
The Triangle (Trikona Asana)
PeacockPose (Mayurasana)
Sukhasana