Three Yoga Poses for Better Balance

Yoga teacher Cheryl McColgan says balance-focused yoga can help the body stay capable as people grow older. She explains that the practice develops proprioception, meaning the body’s sense of its position and motion. Yoga can also build the strength and muscular endurance involved in remaining stable, particularly during movements performed on one leg.

McColgan, who founded Heal, Nourish, Grow, identifies three useful positions: tree comes first, followed by eagle, with warrior three as the final progression. Each one places the emphasis on a single leg. This work engages muscles surrounding the ankle, knee and hip while also developing awareness of how the body is moving.

For someone beginning this type of practice, McColgan’s suggested sequence starts with tree before advancing through the other two positions. During any balancing posture, she recommends keeping the gaze directed at one fixed spot. A wall or chair can provide additional support. As a simpler starting point for anyone unable to complete the full positions, she suggests balancing on one leg while brushing their teeth. Together, these options provide different entry points for practicing stability and body-position awareness.