Growing up I was always told to “stand up straight.” Like most teenagers I had a tendency to slouch. But as an adult of short stature I stood up straight to get every inch out of my height.  Or so I thought.

That is until the first physically obvious benefit of yoga for me appeared.  I could tell I was standing straighter and taller. Bob even commented on my posture.

In a world where we spend so much time driving, sitting at a computer, slumped over our cell phones and other devices we need a counterpose to life.  Instead of sinking downward and forward we need something that will move us upward and back.

Backbends will help with this, but one often overlooked pose for posture is Tadasana (tah-DAHS-uh-nuh) or Mountain Pose. If you think Mountain Pose is just standing there and a waste of time, think again.  It is an active pose that is the foundation of all standing poses. Take the time to learn proper alignment in Mountain Pose and alignment in all other standing poses will be easier.  In addition to improving posture, this pose can decrease back pain and help focus and calm the mind.

A good yoga practice has many benefits, including better posture.  Mom would be so proud.

 

Resources:

https://yoga.com/article/yoga-poses-to-fix-your-posture

Yoga to Improve Posture: Self-Assess Your Spine + Learn How to Protect It

https://www.yogabasics.com/asana/mountain/

https://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides/how-to-do-mountain-pose-in-yoga