From Ground Up: Standing Asanas and Iyengar Yoga Practice.

When you begin Iyengar yoga, you will learn that the standing asanas are considered the foundation of the practice and are a major focus of Iyengar yoga beginners’ classes. While it may seem counterintuitive to start with something as seemingly simple as standing, the truth is that the standing asanas are essential for building strength, stability, and awareness in the body.

The standing asanas in Iyengar yoga include a range of poses, from the basic Tadasana (Mountain Pose) to more advanced poses like Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose) and Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose). Each pose has its unique benefits, but they all share a common purpose, which is to help you develop a strong and stable foundation from which to build your practice.

So, why are the standing asanas so important?

First and foremost, they help you develop strength and stability in the legs, which are essential for maintaining balance and stability in all other poses. By practicing the standing asanas regularly, you can build a solid foundation of strength that will support you as you progress to more challenging poses.

 As you hold each pose, you learn to pay attention to the sensations in your body and the quality of your breath, which can help you cultivate a sense of mindfulness and presence both on and off the mat.

Moreover, the standing asanas are also used as a tool for learning proper alignment and technique.

Since the poses are relatively simple, they provide a great opportunity to focus on the details of each pose, including the placement of the feet, the engagement of the muscles, and the extension of the spine. By mastering the basics of each pose, you can build a strong foundation of technique that will support you in all of your yoga practice.

In conclusion, the standing asanas are an essential part of any Iyengar yoga practice. By focusing on these poses and developing strength, stability, awareness, and proper alignment, you can build a solid foundation on which to build and learn. So the next time you step onto your mat, remember the importance of standing and embrace the foundational nature of these essential poses.