Legs Up the Wall
A restorative yoga pose performed with legs elevated against a wall that promotes relaxation, circulation, and gentle passive stretching.
Instructions
- Sit sideways on a yoga mat with one hip close to a wall.
- Lie back while rotating your body so that your legs go up the wall.
- Scoot your buttocks as close to the wall as comfortable, allowing your legs to rest fully against the wall.
- Let your arms rest at your sides with palms facing up, keeping them relaxed away from your body.
- Relax your neck and head, looking straight up toward the ceiling.
- Breathe slowly and deeply while maintaining the position for several minutes.
- To release, gently push with your hands to roll onto your side and slowly return to a seated position.
Tips
- This is a restorative pose meant for relaxation, not stretching
- Stay in the pose for 5-15 minutes for maximum benefits
- Use a thin pillow or folded blanket under your head if needed for comfort
- Keep your legs straight or slightly bent at the knees if more comfortable
- This pose can help reduce anxiety and promote circulation
- Avoid this pose if you have eye problems or high blood pressure without clearance from your doctor
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 25 s |
| Build muscle | 3 | 40 s |
| Build endurance | 3 | 1 min |