Eagle

garuḍāsanaगरुडासन
Eagle
M

Maya - Pose Assistant

Ask me anything about Eagle

Benefits

Eagle Pose is an intermediate standing balance that involves wrapping the arms and legs, improving concentration, strengthening ankles and calves, and stretching the shoulders, upper back, and outer hips.

Practice Guide

1

Stand in Mountain Pose (Tadasana). Bend knees slightly. Shift weight onto left foot.

2

Lift right leg and cross it high over left thigh. Hook right foot behind left calf if possible (if not, keep toes pointing down or resting lightly on floor/block).

3

Extend arms forward. Cross left arm over right at elbows. Bend elbows, bringing backs of hands towards each other, or wrap forearms so palms touch.

4

Lift elbows slightly, draw shoulder blades down back. Sink hips lower, keeping spine upright.

5

Gaze softly past fingertips. Hold, breathe.

6

To exit, unwrap arms, then legs, return to Mountain Pose. Repeat on other side (crossing opposite arm/leg on top).

Modifications

Cross legs without wrapping foot around calf (just thigh over thigh).

Modify arm wrap: hug opposite shoulders, or bring backs of hands/palms together without full wrap.

Use a wall for balance.

Practice seated in a chair.

Safety Notes

Knee injuries (standing or wrapped leg)

Ankle injuries (standing leg)

Shoulder injuries (modify arm position)

Significant balance issues (use support)

Anatomy

Muscles Targeted

Standing leg muscles (quads, glutes, calf)
Core (for stability)
Hip adductors (inner thighs, squeezing)
Shoulder adductors and protractors (scapula)

Muscles Stretched

Shoulders (rhomboids, trapezius, posterior deltoids)
Upper back
Hips and outer thighs (gluteus medius/minimus, TFL of wrapped leg)

What's Next?

Maya suggests trying these poses:

Focus Areas

Standing BalanceHip Opening OuterShoulder StretchUpper Back StretchConcentrationJoint Compression ReleaseFocusProprioception

Yoga Styles

Signature of
Also practiced in
VinyasaPowerTherapeutic
HathaHeld for longer periods, focus on balance, breath, and concentration
VinyasaUsed in standing balance sequences, flowing transitions
PowerChallenging balance pose, building strength and focus
IyengarPrecise alignment instruction, use of props for accessibility
TherapeuticModified for balance training and joint mobility

Sequencing

Maya's Tips

These insights help Maya understand how this pose flows with others when creating sequences and classes.

Compressing Compacting Balance PoseImproves Focus Joint MobilityChallenges ProprioceptionCan Be Grounding Draws Energy Inward