VyaghrasanaIntermediatekneeling

Vyaghrasana

व्याघ्रासन

Vyaghrasana (Tiger Pose) is a dynamic table top movement alternating between leg extension and knee-to-nose, warming up the spine and core.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

5

Avoid If

2
  • Wrist injuries
  • Severe knee pain

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Placing excessive pressure on the kneecaps without padding
Letting the hips shift forward of the knees
Collapsing the lower back
Tensing the shoulders and neck
Ignoring pain in the knees or ankles — use props or modify

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

5 cues
  • 1Place padding under the knees if needed for comfort
  • 2Align the hips directly above or behind the knees
  • 3Keep the spine long and the chest lifted
  • 4Press the tops of the feet or toes firmly into the floor
  • 5Engage the core to support the lower back

Pose Details

Helps With

back painstrengthweight loss

Pose Type

core strengthenerbackbend

Body Focus

corespinelower body

Focus Areas

strengthflexibility

Best For

beginners

Yoga Styles

hathavinyasa

When to Practice

warm upmorning

Position

kneeling

Modify If You Have

wrist injury

Come onto forearms instead of palms.

Target Areas

AbsGlutesAdductorsUpper BackLower BackDeltoids

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Vyaghrasana (Tiger Pose) is a dynamic table top movement alternating between leg extension and knee-to-nose, warming up the spine and core.

How to Practice

1

1. Come to table top position (Bharmanasana).

2

2. Wrists under shoulders, knees under hips.

3

3. Inhale, extend the right leg straight back and up.

4

4. Lift the leg high, gentle arch in the back.

5

5. Lift the head, gaze forward.

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Vyaghrasana

What is Vyaghrasana?

Vyaghrasana (Tiger Pose) is a dynamic table top movement alternating between leg extension and knee-to-nose, warming up the spine and core.

What are the benefits of Vyaghrasana?

Warms up spine and core. Strengthens glutes and hip flexors. Improves coordination. Dynamic and energizing. Good for back pain prevention.

Who should avoid Vyaghrasana?

Avoid this pose if you have: Wrist injuries, Severe knee pain.

How many steps are in Vyaghrasana?

Vyaghrasana is practiced in 10 steps. Come to table top position (Bharmanasana).

Is Vyaghrasana suitable for beginners?

Vyaghrasana is an intermediate-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What conditions does Vyaghrasana help with?

Vyaghrasana is therapeutic for: back pain, strength, weight loss.

What poses should I do before Vyaghrasana?

Prepare with: Bharmanasana (Table top pose), Virasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

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