Don’t ever be fearful of trying something new! We get it – you never think that your body could ever possibly get into those positions! Yoga is all about practice and patience. Everyone has their own level of fitness, flexibility and limitations. The Eagle is one of those poses that looks scary but with the assistance of the great Yoga instructors at Mingara One Fitness, you can work your way up to nailing even the most challenging of poses.
Why do the Eagle?
The Eagle is great for improving balance – stretching the upper back, shoulders and thighs. Strengthen your legs, ankles and knees – your concentration and balance are challenged at every level of this pose.
Eagle Level 1
How to:
ARMS LEVEL 1
- Stand with your hands by your side (aka mountain pose).
- Extend your arms to shoulder height
- Cross your left elbow over right with palms facing upwards.
- Place your hands on your shoulders.
LEGS LEVEL 1
- Shift your weight to your right foot
- Raise your left leg and cross left thigh on your right thigh placing your toe on the ground on the outside of your right foot for stability.
- Thighs should be wrapped together like navy ropes intertwined. No thigh gap welcome here.
Eagle Level 2
How to:
ARMS LEVEL 2
- Stand with your hands by your side (aka mountain pose).
- Extend your arms to shoulder height.
- Rest your elbows on top of one another.
- Wrap your forearms around one another and rest the backs of your hands together.
LEGS LEVEL 2
- Same as Level 1 but challenge your balance by lifting the outside toe off the mat.
Eagle Level 3
How to:
ARMS LEVEL 3
- Stand with your hands by your side (aka mountain pose).
- Extend your arms to shoulder height
- Rest your elbows on top of one another.
- Wrap your forearms around one another and press the palms of your hands together.
LEGS LEVEL 3
- Follow steps for level 2 but take it to the next level by making the ultimate navy rope – Wrapping your left foot behind your calf.
REPEAT the whole pose using the other side of your body – it can be that you may notice imbalances in the body during this pose – your balance and flexibility may differ from side to side.
A tip for every Level
Make sure you cross your arms high enough – not at the forearms but at the elbows and be sure to cross your legs high enough – at the thighs! That way you can wrap your leg around correctly.
Join a class
Mingara One Fitness offers a range of Yoga classes; Hot Yoga, One Gentle Yoga and One Yoga. Make sure you give the trainer a wave if it is your first class to let them know it is your first time and you can always catch up with a trainer after class or even on the gym floor for tips, pointers and advice.
Check out the class timetable here.
