Skip to main content

Discover Strength and Stability: Three Accessible Seated Poses for Everyday Movement

We often overlook the value of simple, intentional movements that can bring both strength and mindfulness into our day. These three seated poses are designed to be accessible, effective, and beneficial for anyone looking to incorporate movement into their routine. Whether you’re at your desk, on a long flight, or simply taking a mindful pause, these poses offer a way to connect with your body and build core strength.



Pose 1: Single Leg Lift (Right Side)

How to Practice:

  1. Sit tall with both feet flat on the floor, your back supported by the chair.
  2. Place your hands on the sides of the chair for support, or let them rest on your lap for an added challenge.
  3. Slowly lift your right leg, keeping it straight or with a slight bend in the knee.
  4. Hold for 3-5 breaths, noticing the muscles engaged in your thigh, hip, and core.
  5. Gently lower your leg back to the floor.

Option to Explore:

  • Try lifting the leg without using the chair for support. Pay attention to how your body stabilizes itself and the muscles that activate to maintain balance.


Pose 2: Single Leg Lift (Left Side)

How to Practice:

  1. Maintain the same tall posture, grounding through your sitting bones.
  2. Slowly lift your left leg, again keeping it straight or slightly bent.
  3. Hold the lift for 3-5 breaths, staying mindful of your body’s alignment.
  4. Lower the leg with control.

What to Notice:

  • Compare the sensations on the left side to the right. Do you feel a difference in strength or stability? This practice helps you tune into asymmetries and build balanced strength.



Pose 3: Double Leg Lift

How to Practice:

  1. Sit with both feet flat on the ground, engaging your core for stability.
  2. Using the sides of the chair for support (or not, for an added challenge), lift both legs simultaneously.
  3. Keep the movement slow and controlled, avoiding any sway in the upper body.
  4. Hold for 3-5 breaths, noticing the effort required to maintain balance and engage your core.
  5. Lower your legs back down with intention.

Challenge Your Practice:

  • Focus on isolating the movement to your legs, keeping your upper body as still as possible. This builds both core strength and awareness.

Benefits of These Poses

  1. Core Activation: These poses strengthen the core muscles, which are essential for balance and posture.
  2. Mindful Movement: Holding each pose for 3-5 breaths encourages focus, grounding you in the present moment.
  3. Accessibility: These movements can be done anywhere—a chair is all you need.
  4. Improved Stability: Practicing single and double leg lifts enhances balance and coordination.

Integrating These Poses into Your Day

  • Morning Boost: Start your day with these movements to wake up your body and mind.
  • Desk Break: Take a mindful pause during work to relieve tension and reset your posture.
  • Evening Wind-Down: Incorporate these poses into your evening routine to reconnect with your body.

Explore Mindful Practices

Movement is just one way to build mindfulness and strength. Pair these poses with breath awareness for a holistic practice that nourishes both body and mind. If you’re curious about more ways to deepen your mindfulness journey, explore this guided practice.

Take a moment today to connect with your body and the strength within. Even the smallest movements can lead to meaningful change. How will you incorporate these poses into your routine?

It's all practice

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking Free from Fear: Embracing Life in Fullness

 The world has taken a fear pill. From the moment we are born, we are programmed with messages of caution: Be careful. Watch out. Prepare for the worst. These warnings are embedded into our operating system, shaping how we view the world. And let’s be clear—there are valid reasons for this. For those of us who grew up in environments where danger was tangible—where friends were in gangs, where survival required hypervigilance—being on guard was not just a habit; it was necessary. One of the things I am personally most grateful for is the nameless sacrifices my parents made to provide a better life for my brothers and me. They carried burdens we never had to hold, making choices that carved out possibilities we might never fully understand. Their preparedness and vigilance kept us safe. When Preparedness Becomes a Prison At some point, though, it bears questioning: When does preparedness—or the effort to control every possible outcome—get in the way of presence? This is not about d...
3 comments
Read more

Practicing Mindfulness Is Simple as A-B-C

 Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, but at its core, it is a practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. I know, simple.  But not easy because let's be real, judgement arises without trying and distractions abound! Imagine coasting along on the way to work, then all of a sudden there is a traffic delay. Or, in the case of being in "the city that never sleeps" you are delayed due to train traffic ahead. Insert distraction followed closely by his compadre, judgement.   One simple, yet powerful framework for cultivating mindfulness in everyday life is something I've been calling the "ABC" practice: Awareness, Breath, Choice . These three components work together to help us stay grounded, manage stress, and respond to life's challenges with greater clarity and calm.  Think about this as fundamental building blocks. The same way that letters combine to make words. Words come together to make sentences.  Sent...
Post a Comment
Read more

Four Simple Poses for Stress and Overwhelm

Finding moments of stillness and connection with the body can feel out of reach when it seems that the pace of life is getting faster and faster. But what if you could create a sense of calm and presence without even leaving your chair? These four simple seated poses are accessible to most and can be practiced at home, in the office, or wherever you find yourself sitting. Let’s explore how these poses can help you feel more grounded, restore balance, and create mindful moments in your day. 1. Grounded Seat: Finding Your Foundation Start by sitting with both feet flat on the floor or supported by blocks, about hip-width apart. Rest your hands gently on your lap, palms facing down or up, or perhaps bring one hand to the chest and one hand to the belly—whichever feels more natural. As you settle in, feel the connection between your feet and the earth beneath you. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Why it helps: Promotes a sense of stability and connection to the present moment. Encourag...
Post a Comment
Read more