Poses for Your Ankles

Because there's more to life than hip openers.

Fire up your abs for this difficult asymmetrical arm balance, Eight-Angle Pose.

A classic standing posture, Vrksasana establishes strength and balance, and helps you feel centered, steady and grounded.

Padmasana creates an essential foundation for meditation practice, while stretching the front of the thighs and ankles.

You need strength, flexibility, and endurance, and unwavering concentration for Eagle Pose.

Named for a legendary warrior, Virabhadrasana II strengthens your quads, shoulders, and core—not to mention your stamina and inner resolve.

A standing posture centered around balance, Virabhadrasana III will strengthen your legs, ankles and core.

Don't let the name fool you. If you're used to sitting in chairs, Easy Pose (or Sukhasana) can be quite challenging.

Utkatasana powerfully strengthens the muscles of the arms and legs, but it also stimulates the diaphragm and heart.

Find length in your side body, from your heel to your fingertips with Extended Side Angle Pose.

Bump up your energy (and confidence!) by bending back into Camel Pose. Ustrasana counteracts slouching and relieves lower back pain with a generous, heart-opening stretch.

Virabhadrasana I is a foundational yoga pose that balances flexibility and strength in true warrior fashion.

Purvottanasana counteracts the effects of Chaturanga by stretching the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and anterior deltoids.

Take a break. Balasana is a restful pose that can be sequenced between more challenging asanas.

As a counterpose to Utthita Trikonasana and preparation for seated forward bends and twists, this pose is key to a skilled practice.

The foundation of all standing poses, Mountain Pose makes a great a starting position, resting pose, or tool to improve posture.

This revolved variation of Utthita Parsvakonasana requires a lot of flexibility to twist so deeply and ground the back heel.

This joint plays an important role in knee and foot health, balance, and more. Here’s what you need to know about your ankles.

Your yoga practice is an excellent way to give your ankles the attention they deserve, helping to reverse past damage and keep you injury free for years to come.

Iyengar Yoga Instructor Julie Lawrence gives advice for how to recover gently from an ankle sprain.