The powerful practice of yoga can boost mental health, tone the body, and provide natural healing ailments for many health conditions. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that certain yoga poses can improve your balance and boost your overall performance.
Standing on our feet is nothing out of the ordinary, but rather something we have been doing since we were two. Since the act of balancing comes naturally to us, we often neglect to think about the importance of balance in our daily lives.
While we’re able to walk, run, jump, and hop, our balance starts to fade as we age, and if we don’t take care of it, we expose our older selves to falls that can lead to harmful injuries.
Balancing is an act that goes beyond just standing on our feet, but promotes good posture, athletic abilities, and daily functions. Yoga can build strength and train the body’s muscles to focus on mastering challenging poses that strive to improve the body’s balance.
3 Yoga Poses to Improve Balance
We have 3 yoga poses that will not only test your balance but will also help you improve your balancing skills in the long run. It is important that you try to maintain these positions in order for your practice to be effective, even though they might be challenging.
1. Half Moon Pose
The half moon pose is extremely beneficial for leg and ankle strength. It’s okay to feel a bit shaky at first, as the more you practice, the more you will improve your stability and balance.
Directions:
- Stand up straight on your mat with your feet hip-width distance apart. Angle your body at 90 degrees, towards the left side and add a slight bend to your knees.
- Place your right hand on the ground, with your palm facing down.
- As you straighten your right leg, your left leg should extend towards the ceiling along with your left arm.
- Pause for a few seconds as you collect your focus and stabilize your pose.
- As you release, lower your left leg and left arm and slowly pivot back to the front and come back to standing position.
- Repeat this pose using the left side of your body to even out the sides.
2. Eagle Pose
Eagle pose promotes mobility and helps to loosen the joints to promote balance. Practicing this pose can help prevent falls and protect you from sustaining injuries in the future.
Directions:
- Stand up tall on your mat with your hands beside your sides, palms facing outward. Your feet will be a hip-width distance apart.
- With a slight bend in your knees, lift your left leg and place it on your right thigh. If you want to challenge yourself, try to take your left leg over your right thigh and wrap it around your right calf.
- Bring your hands together and cross your left arm underneath your right arm followed by your left forearm underneath your right to bring your palms together.
- Your hips should be squared off and make sure your head, hips, and shoulders are aligned.
- Pause for a few seconds and unwind back to starting position. Repeat pose on the opposite side.
3. Tree Pose
Tree pose is a beginner friendly pose that engages the core muscles and our obliques. Practice this pose at home or even at work to engage your muscles and improve your balance.
Directions:
- Stand up tall on your mat, with your chest lifted and your glutes squeezed. Your feet will be a hip-width distance apart, with your arms beside your sides, palms facing outwards.
- With a slight bend in your right knee, lift your left leg outwards and bend your knees as you place your left foot on the side of your right shin. You have the option to place it higher on your leg.
- Extend your arms towards the ceiling and bring your palms to touch to complete the pose.
- Pause for a few seconds and come back to standing position.
- Repeat the tree pose using the opposite leg.
Challenge Yourself
Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with these poses, but most importantly have fun and know you are building a stronger body for your future self. Always remember to listen to your body and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Ayuda, T. (2017, February 26). 5 Standing Yoga Poses for Better Balance. Retrieved from https://dailyburn.com/life/fitness/standing-yoga-poses-improve-balance/
6 Standing Yoga Poses to Improve Your Balance. (2014, December 24). Retrieved from https://www.doyouyoga.com/6-standing-yoga-poses-to-improve-your-balance/
5 Beginner-Friendly Yoga Poses That Help Improve Balance. (2017, August 07). Retrieved from https://www.doyouyoga.com/5-beginner-friendly-yoga-poses-that-help-improve-balance-13480/
