Standing Pose Extremely Beneficial In Increasing Flexibility And Strength

By Patricia | January 9, 2009

Yoga Exercises In Standing Positions

Yoga has a variety of asanas (poses) in different poses. Ideally, one should do a few of the poses in all the following positions:

  • Standing
  • Sitting
  • Supine (lying on the back)
  • Prone (lying on the abdomen)
  • Inverted and
  • Balancing

Standing Poses have proven extremely beneficial in increasing flexibility and strength. When done the right way they invigorate the whole body and also make you more and more aware of your overall posture at all times. In addition these Standing Poses improve psychical alignment that is so very essential in all of life’s activities. An extremely good example of Standing Pose is the Tadasana (Mountain Pose). This, by the way, is considered the origin of all Yogasanas (poses). As a rule, Standing Poses form the very basis of all Yogasanas (poses). There are a number of Standing Poses, some of which have been outlined below:

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Tadasana induces a feeling of stillness and immovable stability associated with the mountains. It also improves strength.

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
In Hindu mythology, the triangle is a powerful symbol of divinity. You will often find it in the mandalas and yantras used in meditation.

Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose)
This pose is great for improving your sense of balance and coordination.

Crescent Moon Pose
This pose strengthens and stretches your legs and arms. It also improves concentration and balance, helps increase stamina and relieves backaches.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior Pose I)
The Warrior Pose strengthens the arms, legs and back and helps improve balance and agility.

Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II)
This pose also strengthens the arms, shoulders, legs and back and helps build stamina. It also throws improves balance and open the chest and hips.

Virabhadrasana III (Warrior Pose III)
This is the third variation of the Warrior Pose and strengthens the legs and ankles helps while improving balance and stability.

Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-legged Forward Bend)
This is an excellent stretching pose for exercising and reducing tiredness, tension and stiffness in the muscles of the hind legs. It also thoroughly stretches the muscles of your back and the neck area.

Utkatasana I (Chair Pose I)
Utkatasana I strengthens your legs and lower back and by doing this asana (pose) you are creating more space in your chest and belly.

Utkatasana II (Chair Pose II)
Contrary to Chair Pose I, Utkatasana II involves folding your upper body from the hip till you bend it parallel to the floor. In the process you exercise your spine and upper back as well.

Some of the other Standing Poses include:

  • Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
  • Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose)
  • Pada Hastasana (Hands to Feet Pose)
  • Standing Side Stretch Pose
  • Stand Spread Leg Forward Fold
  • Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
  • Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)