06/12/2025
Life is all about balance — on and off the mat. One posture that captures this beautifully is Balancing Stick in Bikram, or this Warrior III variation in vinyasa.
But thinking of this pose only as a balance is missing the magic. There’s so much strength, alignment, and mindful activation happening throughout the entire body to create that long, powerful line.
Every great posture starts with the setup.
Take a step forward — bigger than a casual stride — to shift your weight fully into the standing leg. This leg becomes your foundation: press evenly through the big toe and heel, lift through the arch, and engage the thigh to stabilize.
Draw the arms up by the ears to activate the shoulders, keeping them from collapsing as you tilt the torso forward. Keep your gaze ahead; the eyes lead the body. I like to imagine my arms being gently pulled forward from behind my head.
‼️ And don’t forget the lifting leg ‼️
Your back leg is just as active as the standing one. Lift through the kneecap, fire up the thigh, and keep that leg straight and strong. When you think you’re engaging enough… engage a little more. That full-body commitment is what creates that beautiful straight line over time.
And remember — it’s not about getting perfectly parallel. The hip hinge deepens with practice. What matters most is maintaining that strong, connected line from fingertips to toes.
Balance isn’t a destination — it’s a practice