Standing yoga poses to use while out walking
Tip: While it’s great to take shoes and socks off so you can engage with the earth, don’t let that stop you practising these poses. It’s not always practical to discard the shoes mid-walk, but it’s always worth stopping for a quick pose.
Safety first
Always work at your own level. If something feels uncomfortable or unnatural, stop and check that you are performing the pose correctly. If you have any back, joint or balance conditions, do not attempt these poses outdoors without prior guidance from a professional and plenty of practice.
I am not a yoga teacher, but I have experienced many variations over the years with amazing instructors and colleagues. While I do not practise it fully, I do add selected relaxing and lengthening poses into my total body walking plan, which I am delighted to share with you below. If you are new to yoga, you will find it beneficial to attend a yoga class or practise the poses with the help of qualified instructors online to master the breathing, which is part of full practice.
Yoga is the ultimate mind and body exercise. It is beneficial to walking by helping to improve posture, balance and stability, increasing cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles and bones and restoring mobility, as well as reducing stress and anxiety by encouraging mindfulness with a focus on the breath and body. It works wonderfully when combined with a walk, where you can add fresh air, gentle cardiovascular exercise and the power of nature to the mix; however, it’s best to stick to standing poses to avoid getting muddy or the need to carry a mat.
My favourite mid-walk poses are those that encourage relaxation, improve flexibility and stimulate major organs. Each pose has its own benefits, which I have outlined below. Just mastering a few can help boost your immune system and general health. I have deliberately selected simple, empowering poses that will hopefully inspire you to explore yoga more deeply, so pick and choose or combine them into a simple flowing sequence.
Enjoy!
