Tiger Pose / Vyaghasana

Vyaghasana

Tiger Pose (Vyaghasana) is a general pose used in classical / foundational work. It gives a clear way to explore general while keeping the shape readable and easy to teach. In a sequence, it can work as a reference point, a transition, or a reset depending on how the class is built.

Difficulty: 10

How to do this pose

  • Settle into the shape, keep the breath even, and let the body organize around the essential line of the pose
  • The general cue should stay readable and calm

What you should feel

You should feel general through the areas that are actively supporting the pose, along with a calm, steady breath. The shape should feel awake and organized rather than forced, rushed, or vague.

Benefits

This pose supports general and gives the body a clearer sense of the general pattern. It also creates a simple teaching reference that can be repeated, adjusted, or layered into classical / foundational sequencing without losing shape.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include collapsing the structure, pushing too far for the sake of depth, or losing the breath while trying to make the pose look bigger. Keep the mixed base clean and let the general line stay readable before increasing range.

Modifications

Use a folded blanket, block, wall, or a smaller range of motion if that helps the pose stay stable. A better version of the pose is one that preserves the essential general shape and lets the breath stay smooth.

Contraindications

Use caution if tiger pose causes pain, pinching, or numbness.

Prep Poses

Cat-Cow, Mountain Pose, Child’s Pose

Follow-Up Poses

Savasana, Child’s Pose, Standing Forward Fold

Related Content

Use a folded blanket, block, wall, or a smaller range of motion if that helps the pose stay stable. A better version of the pose is one that preserves the essential general shape and lets the breath stay smooth.