10/09/2026
For many, balancing is often the most challenging part of a yoga lesson. People don’t realise that you need to train your muscles (particularly those in the ankles) to be able to balance - just like you do when you want to improve any discipline.
And so like trying to improve anything, it just takes PRACTICE, and being kind and patient with yourself!
Onto one of the most common balances you’ll see in a yoga class - Warrior 3. Let’s begin with balancing on the right leg. Start with using a chair to hold onto, first with your toes of the left foot touching the floor, then lifting off.
Once you feel more confident, remove the chair and try those two steps again (toes down, toes up). You can always have a middle pose where you tap your toes up and down. For the ultimate Warrior 3, your arms, neck, spine, and lifted leg are all in a straight line, and parallel to the floor!
For all poses you want your shoulders and hips square to the mat, and your tummy pulled in. Keeping a soft knee bend on your standing leg can help, as well as fixing your eye gaze.
Now, swop legs!
Can you do this balance? Which stage are you at?
