Standing Poses Through Vasisthasana – Weekly Advanced Class 448

This 45-minute class presents a unique approach to standing poses by linking them with the arm balance Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose). Rather than treating arm balances and standing poses as separate groups of asanas, the class reveals important principles they have in common, particularly the role of shoulder girdle alignment in supporting body weight with greater efficiency. When the shoulders are correctly organised, weight can be transmitted more effectively through the skeletal structure rather than relying on excessive muscular effort, bringing a greater sense of lift, stability and ease to poses that might otherwise feel heavy or strenuous.

Throughout the sequence, the actions developed in Vasisthasana are applied to standing poses including Trikonasana, Parsvakonasana, Ardha Chandrasana and Parivrtta Trikonasana, where the lower arm becomes an active source of lift rather than something to lean or collapse into. The same principles enhance the extension and expression of the arms in Virabhadrasana II, while also improving weight-bearing actions in poses such as Virabhadrasana III and Adho Mukha Svanasana. Suitable for a wide range of practitioners, this class offers a fresh perspective on standing pose practice, helping to strengthen the arms and wrists, refine alignment and make more demanding standing poses feel lighter, stronger and increasingly accessible.