Standing Yoga Poses

Do you ever quietly curse when your teacher cues Utkatasana? Here's how to loathe it less.

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

Approaching this classic asana in a new way can make you keenly aware of your alignment—and help you break free of your rut.

Open wide into Prasarita Padottanasana to increase flexibility by leaps and bounds.

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.

Parsvottanasana encourages balance, body awareness, and inspires confidence.

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

One of yoga's most widely recognized poses, Adho Mukha Svanasana strengthens the core and improves circulation, while providing a delicious, full-body stretch.

Extended Triangle Pose is a quintessential standing pose that stretches and strengthens the whole body.

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.

This is the prop you didn't know you needed.

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

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.

And they take less than 15 minutes.

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

Practicing yoga with tight hamstrings isn't about stretching past your known limits. It's about finding a way to practice within them.