Five beginner-friendly yoga poses that improve balance

Balancing is hard work, and it changes daily based on many different external and internal shifts. Yes, it may well be that you need to build stronger ankles, or perhaps you have an injury that is impeding your balance a little. Still, it is also highly (and often more) affected by the amount of stress you are feeling, how tired you are, how distracted you are, and whether your breath is smooth.

It’s easy to get discouraged and give up mid-practice. You can skip the postures or even head straight for a wall. (Which is perfectly fine!). Your practice also involves discipline. So, try these shapes and adjustments during your course in order to strengthen your “balancing muscles” before you head for the wall – or give up.

Rag Doll

It may seem odd, but the poses where you have both feet on the ground are often preparing you for future balances. Rag Doll helps you calibrate your center. You are also reminded to counterbalance the rear with your head and grip your toes in any folded credits. Future Crow holds and Sparrows or even Half Moon Warrior three.

To help you balance, try swaying your Rag Doll with both your feet on the floor at the beginning of your practice.

Crouching Tiger Pose

Also known as the One-Legged Chair. Press into your four corners. If that doesn’t work, press into your inner and outer arches. This will help to engage the leg muscles.

Remember, the more you pull your belly in and lift your ribs, the more engaged you are. This will give you greater strength when doing anything. The more you raise your ribs and pull your belly in, the stronger you will be in any standing pose.

Extended Mountain Pose

This is another of the preparatory shapes that has two feet on the ground! This one is a little tricky and requires a lot of concentration.

As you do this, your hips should reach towards your ribs. Lift your ribs to the sky, and then stretch your arms until you’re standing on your toes while squeezing both ankles.

Slowly pull your gaze up from the ground and hold it. This extended version of the mountain will help you develop the focus and engagement required to stand on just one leg.

Tree Pose

Press your foot into the thigh or the calf and lift your chest to the sky. Another great way to find balance and remind your body of its center is by pressing your hands together at the heart center. You can also lower your toes on the mat to create a tripod if you’re still unsteady.

Eagle Pose

Use the same tripod to do an Eagle pose. Instead of wrapping your toes around the leg, you are standing on, let them touch the ground. While you are strengthening your balance, you can reap the rewards of Eagle Pose by practicing this balancing exercise.

Your balance is a daily thing, and it’s all about inner clarity and focus. You may have some physical obstacles, but it’s more likely you need to take a deep breath and give yourself space and time to focus and train.