If you’re looking to improve your posture, balance and mental strength, then balancing stick pose is what you need in your practice! This pose incorporates your physical and emotional strength while also doing wonders for the spine. Bad posture? Balancing stick. Neck or shoulder pain? Balancing stick. Stressed? Balancing stick. Laundry piling up? Balancing stick. Ok… maybe not that last part, but what we’re trying to say is, this pose is awesome (even without the puppy.)
Benefits:
Improves balance
Builds muscle in the legs, glutes, core, back and arms
Full body workout
Creates a sense of motivation and focus
Decreases stress and anxiety
Stretches the hamstrings
Improves posture
Relives neck, back and shoulder pain
Increases circulation
Mike:
“When practising balancing stick pose, make a ‘T’ shape with your body. Keep the standing leg straight and keep the arms, body and lifted leg all in one straight line. This will support your spine and keep you working!”
Common mistakes
Arms bent or not engaged
Spine curved, rather than straight
Standing leg not strong and straight
Core not engaged
Suz:
“Balancing stick is my favourite core workout pose. It adds a cardio element to your practice and tones the whole body — especially the butt!”
Instructions
Stand with the feet together on the mat, arms above the head with the fingers interlaced in pistol grip.
On an inhale, engage through the core and lengthen the body and spine.
On an exhale, step forward with the right foot and with one motion kick up the left foot to point behind, torso tipping from the hips. Keep the right left strong and straight.
Keep the arms engaged and bring the torso to a tabletop position. Engaging through the left glute, bring the left leg up to be in one straight horizontal line with the arms and torso. Create a ‘T’ shape with your body. Keep the hips and shoulders square and the gaze straight down to the mat.
Control the breath and engage through the core. Hold for 10 seconds.
To release, lower the left leg back to its starting position with control, and step the right foot back to meet it. Lengthen through the body and reach up with the hands on a deep inhale before repeating on the opposite side.
Enjoy your balancing sticks, yogis! Stay tuned for next week’s pose… we’re thinking some forward folds!
Namaste
Mike, Suz
& The PPHY Team 🙂