Yoga-Standing Poses

B.K.S. Iyengar- "You should do the asanas with vigor and at the same time be relaxed and composed."

The standing poses are invigorating. They refresh the body and mind by removing tension, aches, and pains. They stimulate digestion, regulate the kidneys, and relieve constipation. They improve circulation and breathing. The back, hips, knees, neck, and shoulders all gain strength and mobility through practice. The standing poses also teach the principles of correct movement. This is fundamental for the postures and also in everyday life, where they develop awareness of the right way to sit, stand, and walk.

It is best to work on a non-slip surface. Precision is essential. Accuracy in the postures is developed through working carefully.

To develop energy and to combat laziness, the postures should be done dynamically, with full extension of the limbs and trunk. Working with effort does not mean working with tension, and it is important to learn how to stay relaxed.

It is sometimes useful to practice the standing poses with the back against a wall for support and to check alignment. They may also be practiced at right angles to a wall, pressing the back foot against it and extending the trunk away from it. This helps to keep the back leg strong.

Standing poses include: Mountain pose, Extended hand and foot pose, Tree pose,

Extended Triangle, Extended side angle pose, Warrior 1, Warrior 11, Half Moon, Warrior 111, Twisting Triangle, Revolved lateral angle, Reverse Half Moon, Sideways extended pose, Spread out extended pose, Forward fold, Eagle, Fierce, Gate or Crossbar.