In Iyengar Yoga, standing poses are more than physical exercises — they are the foundation of both our practice and our sense of self.
As B.K.S. Iyengar explains in The Tree of Yoga:
"If the foundation is strong, the building can stand. Standing poses teach us how to build that foundation."
When we begin class with Tadasana (Mountain Pose), or step into a warrior pose, we’re not just arranging our arms and legs. We are setting the stage for how we move, breathe, and even think.
How we stand on the mat influences how we move through our lives.
What Standing Poses Teach Us
In standing poses, the legs become strong and intelligent. The feet press firmly into the earth, awakening a sense of grounding. The spine responds by lifting — not from force, but from a natural, organic reaction to being well-supported. Shoulders soften into place. The chest opens. The mind grows alert but steady.
This isn’t just good posture for posture’s sake.
It’s a feeling of clarity, confidence, and freedom that ripples outward, long after we leave the mat.
B.K.S. Iyengar reminds us:
"Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open."
When we stand well, we feel well — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. There's a reason why, when life gets stressful, simply standing tall and taking a deep breath can shift your whole outlook.
How It Shapes Everyday Life
Grounding: Feeling rooted in your feet helps you stay calm and steady when life is uncertain.
Breath: When the spine lifts freely, the breath deepens naturally, bringing more vitality and ease.
Confidence: Standing tall changes how you see yourself — and how others see you.
Freedom: With more awareness in your body, you can move with less strain and more grace.
Even small improvements in standing poses can create big shifts off the mat. It’s not about performing a perfect pose — it’s about building a relationship with gravity, space, and yourself.
Ready to Explore This in Your Own Practice?
In our classes, we use standing poses to build strength, precision, and awareness from the ground up. Whether you're new or experienced, there's always something more to discover in the art of standing well.
"It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence."
— B.K.S. Iyengar
Next time you step onto the mat, notice:
How do you stand?
And how does it shape how you feel — not just now, but long after practice ends?