Asanas - Poses - Day 9 - Garudasana

We just wrapped up practice of the Niyamas after our extended Yamas Holiday practices, and we are now on to Asanas, the 3rd Limb of Yoga. Today we will cover one of my favorite balancing Asanas – Garudasana or Eagle Pose.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Asana – Garudasana or Eagle Pose. This pose is one of my favorite balancing poses, and a great opener for the upper back.

Garudasana – Eagle Pose

Always make sure to practice this pose on both sides.
This is a challenging balance for beginners – keep your foot placed on the ground if you cannot wrap around your standing leg!

Start standing in Tadasana / Mountain Pose.
Bend your knees slightly and place all your weight in your left foot.
Lift your right foot, and cross your right leg on top of your left and sink a bit deeper into the squat. Hook your right foot behind your left calf, or place your toes on the ground for support as your work on your balance.
Inhale your arms out to the sides, then cross your arms in front of your body with your LEFT arm above your right, and bend your elbows (the top arm will always be the opposite side as the top leg). Wrap your arms further and bring your palms together, or if you are not able to bring palms to touch, press the backs of the hands together.
Press your shoulders down your back away from your ears, and lift your elbows to bring upper arms parallel to the floor and forearms pointing straight up to the ceiling.
Hold 30-60 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
- Take note of your head and neck – keep in line with your torso. Keep ribs in line with the torso, do not allow to jut forward.
- Try to keep hips and shoulders in line, do not allow either side to jut forward or back. This will help with opening through hips and upper back.

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!