Yoga Asana of the Week: Legs-up-the-wall

In my quest to become more flexible, and thereby a better, stronger runner, I have resolved to learn one new yoga pose, or asana, each week. Of course, I'll start with the easy ones, being as completely inflexible as I am (my hips and calves give new meaning to the word "tight").

For the past couple of weeks, I have been finishing my daily stretching with this pose, the Viparita Karani, or inverted action. Basically, it's the legs-up-the-wall pose. I have noticed a HUGE difference in how my legs feel, especially after a long or hard run. No more dead lead legs, and no more cramping.


I love feeling the blood flowing down my legs and back through my body. It's also very relaxing. If I want to just meditate and release the pressure in my calves, I scoot myself a little away from the wall. If I need to stretch the backs of my legs, I come in a little closer.

Next week: Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)