What is a common misalignment in Garudasana (Eagle Pose)?

In Garudasana (Eagle Pose), a common misalignment occurs when the hip of the top leg juts out to the side. This misalignment can disrupt the balance and stability of the pose and often arises when practitioners engage the pose without grounding through the standing leg or fail to correctly stack their joints. Proper alignment is essential in yoga to ensure that the body is engaged in a balanced way, promoting not only stability but also the effectiveness of the stretch and the overall benefits of the pose.

When the top leg's hip juts out, it can impact the alignment of the pelvis and potentially strain the lower back, making it important for practitioners to focus on drawing the hip back into alignment with the other leg. Engaging the core and ensuring proper alignment throughout the pelvis and legs in Eagle Pose helps maintain the intended shape and function of the pose while fostering proper alignment in the rest of the body.

In contrast, while potential misalignments such as crossing the arms incorrectly or aligning the feet may occur, they do not have as profound an effect on balance and overall posture in the same context as the position of the hip. Similarly, the alignment of the head with the spine, while important, tends to be less emphasized compared to the position and engagement