Asana

Asana refers to a physical posture in yoga. The term is Sanskrit for “seat” or “pose.” In classical yoga philosophy, asanas are among the eight limbs of yoga and are intended to establish a stable, comfortable posture to support concentration and meditation. In modern practice, asanas range from simple to complex and are used to cultivate strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness.

Practice involves coordinated breath, alignment, and mindful movement. Poses are often sequenced by category: standing, seated, forward bends, backbends, twists, inversions, and restorative. Breath, alignment cues, and props such as blocks and straps help accessibility and safety, allowing practitioners to work within their limits and gradually progress.

Common examples of well-known asanas include Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Warrior poses (Virabhadrasana I/II), Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), Dancer’s Pose (Natarajasana), Bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), and Corpse Pose (Savasana) for relaxation. While some traditions emphasize meditation and stillness, many modern classes emphasize dynamic flows and sequences.

Safety and guidance are important, especially for beginners or individuals with injuries. Gradual progression, respectful alignment, and the use of suitable props are advised, and practitioners should listen to their bodies to avoid pain or strain.

Other uses: Asana is also the name of a software company founded in 2008 by Dustin Moskovitz and Justin Rosenstein, based in San Francisco. The company offers a web-based platform for task management, collaboration, and project planning.