Standing poses
Poses built on the feet, where the legs carry the work and the floor is the reference point.
Beginner standing poses 15
Learnable in a first class, with a version that works for most bodies.
Intermediate standing poses 3
Assume a working base of strength and range, and a teacher who has watched you move.
Questions
What are standing poses in yoga?
Poses built on the feet, where the legs carry the work and the floor is the reference point. YogaPath lists 18 of them, from Chair Pose through to Standing Straddle.
Which standing poses should a beginner start with?
The 15 poses in this family marked beginner: Chair Pose, Equestrian Pose, Extended Side Angle Pose, Extended Triangle Pose, Five-Pointed Star Pose and others. Each has a version that works for most bodies, and each page lists who should skip it.
Are standing poses safe for everyone?
No family of poses is. Each page in this group lists its own contraindications — pregnancy, blood pressure, glaucoma, and neck, knee, shoulder or wrist injury all rule out specific poses. Read the cautions on the individual page, ask your doctor if a condition applies to you, and learn the poses with a qualified teacher.
Asana names are traditional. Every step, benefit and caution on this page is written for YogaPath rather than reproduced from any book, studio or other library — see how this site is written. Energy figures derive from the 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities. General information only — not medical advice. Some asanas are unsuitable during pregnancy, injury or specific conditions. Learn from a qualified teacher and stop if anything hurts.