A 25-minute Iyengar Yoga practice focused on strengthening the arches of the feet and developing greater awareness through the legs. While the sequence explores common concerns associated with flat feet, the work extends far beyond the feet themselves, revealing how the foundation of the body influences the knees, hips, back, and overall alignment.

Through a quintessential Iyengar Yoga exploration of Tadasana (Mountain Pose), you'll investigate how seemingly small actions in the feet can have a profound effect on the organization and stability of the entire body.

Continue your practice inside Po Online where we build on these foundations with structured classes, progressions, and deeper study.

About This Practice

In Iyengar Yoga, the feet are never just the feet. They form the foundation upon which the rest of the body is built. When the feet are inactive or unsupported, the effects can often be observed further up the chain in the knees, hips, and spine.

This practice explores how strengthening the arches and improving awareness in the feet can contribute to greater stability throughout the body. While students interested in flat feet will find valuable insights here, the lessons extend well beyond that specific concern.

A significant portion of the class focuses on Tadasana, one of the most important standing poses in yoga. By carefully examining how we stand, we begin to understand how alignment and support originate from the ground up.

What You'll Practice

• Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

• Strengthening the arches of the feet

• Developing awareness through the feet and legs

• Exploring the relationship between the feet and knees

• Improving standing alignment

• Building a stronger foundation for movement

• Understanding how the feet influence the entire body

When to Use This Practice

• When working with flat feet

• To improve foot and arch strength

• When exploring standing pose alignment

• To develop greater awareness in the feet and legs

• When seeking better overall stability and posture

Who This Is For

• Students with flat feet

• Practitioners experiencing foot fatigue

• Anyone interested in improving standing alignment

• Students exploring the foundations of Iyengar Yoga

• Practitioners looking to better understand Tadasana

• Anyone interested in the relationship between the feet and the rest of the body

Frequently Asked Questions

Can yoga help strengthen the arches of the feet?

Yes. Yoga can help improve awareness, responsiveness, and strength in the feet through carefully chosen standing poses and alignment-based actions.

Why are the feet so important in yoga?

The feet form the foundation of many yoga poses. The way they interact with the ground influences the organization of the legs, pelvis, spine, and overall balance.

Is this practice only for people with flat feet?

No. While students with flat feet may find it particularly useful, anyone interested in improving stability, posture, and standing alignment can benefit from this work.

How do the feet affect the knees and back?

Because the body functions as an interconnected system, changes in the feet often influence the mechanics of the joints above them. Better support through the feet can contribute to improved organization elsewhere in the body.

Why spend so much time in Tadasana?

Tadasana appears simple, but it contains many of the fundamental actions found throughout yoga practice. Studying it carefully can reveal important lessons about alignment, balance, and support.

Is this practice suitable for beginners?

Yes. The concepts are accessible to beginners while offering valuable refinements for more experienced practitioners.

Continue Your Practice

If you enjoyed this class, you can continue your practice across the Studio Po ecosystem:

• Practice in-person at Po Toronto

• Explore full-length classes inside Po Online

• Read reflections and insights on Stephanie’s Blog