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MOUNTAIN POSE

Stand with your feet together - heels and big toes just touching.

Spread your weight evenly lengthways and widthways through your feet using the image of 4 cars tyres with even pressure on each foot can help.

Draw the kneecaps up to a point you can hold without too much strain and visualise your long thigh bones spiralling outwards.

Make your body as long as you can from your feet to the top of your head paying particular attention to your spine being long and wide.

Nod the head slightly forward to lengthen the back of the neck.

Have your arms energised just away from your thighs so that they are lengthened from shoulders to finger tips.

Make the breath long, slow and even aiming for absolute stillness in this simple yet complex posture and hold for a number of breaths before moving on.

BENEFITS
BENEFITS

Improves posture and length of spine.

Stabilises thighs, knees and ankles.

Relieves sciatica.

Calms the mind.

BEGINNERS ADVICE
BEGINNERS ADVICE

You can improve your balance by standing with your feet slightly apart 5 to 10 cm.

Practice this posture using a wall or similar to support and provide feedback.

CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE

Challenge the balance aspect of this posture by closing your eyes and learning to balance without visual feedback.

Focus your attention on your breath - notice if your mind wanders to other thoughts, ideas or outside distractions and refocus back on your breath.

Changing the position of your arms can further challenge this shape - try with your arms out to the side and/or straight overhead.

ADJUSTMENTS / WHAT TO LOOK FOR
ADJUSTMENTS / WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Alignment is important in this posture. From side on look for a long line through the ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle.

Excessive swaying with eyes closed - therefore open the eyes.

Lateral leaning (leaning to one side) ask the student to try and be as long and straight as they can.

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VIDEO: Mountain Pose
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