Anatomy of a Pose - Laurel Marsh
/Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Though Tadasana may not look like the most exciting asana (posture), it is a key one to practice and understand. The alignment and structure of Tadasana is echoed throughout most other asanas as it sets the foundation for all other postures.
Benefits:
- Strengthens entire body
- Improves posture & balance
- Teaches proper alignment
- Increases focus & confidence
Key Actions:
- Bring the big toes to touch and separate the heels slightly. Root down through the balls of the feet and heels evenly as the inner arches lift
- Activate and lift the fronts of the thighs (quadriceps) upward without locking the knees. Inner thighs rotate in towards each other to create space in the sacrum
- Lightly draw the tailbone downward and lift the back ribs to help soften the front ribs
- Lift the center of the chest away from the naval and broaden across the shoulders as the palms face forward
- Keep the chin parallel to the ground and lengthen up through the neck and crown of the head
Modifications:
- Stand with the heels, sacrum, and shoulder blades against a wall to help with balance and alignment
- Place a block the narrow way in between the thighs to help activate the legs and feel the inner thighs rotate in towards each other
