Eagle Pose!

Also known as Garudasana, this is one of my favorites! It’s good for the reproductive organs (I always giggle on the inside when they say that in class), improves concentration and balance, opens the hips and shoulders, and is therapeutic for asthma.

If you’re doing it right you feel like you’re in a very proud or prestigious position, making the name “Eagle Pose” quite suiting.

It’s a little complicated to tie yourself in this knot, so along with the pics I’ll provide some step-by-step instructions for standing on your left foot. Obviously, you should do the opposite moves when on your right.

1) Make sure your left foot has the toes spread out so you’re planted firmly on the earth, and bend your knees as if you are going into chair pose. Lift the right leg high (the higher you get, the further you will get into this pose) and cross it over your bent left leg. Your eventual goal is to wrap it around the back of your left leg so that your foot comes onto the right side of it (like in the photos).

2) Lift your left arm to a 90 degree angle, and swing your right arm underneath it. Then bring your right hand closer to your face, and around the left hand, bringing the palms to better. Many people who struggle with eagle arms hold a short rope or piece of fabric to give the same effect if their palms don’t meet.

Some people tend to hunch forward, but make sure to focus on keeping your back straight and tall, your hips squared, and your belly-button sucked into your spine. On your exhales you can bend your left leg deeper which will bring you further into this position.

Hope you like this as much as I do, it feels excellent to succeed in balancing and holding this pose!

Love, Ami G