Legs up (hold)

Viparita Karani

Yogaeasytimedwall

A restorative inversion: lying on the back with the pelvis on the floor (often close to a wall or on a low support), both legs rise straight and together to vertical while the arms rest relaxed on the floor.

How to do it

1. Sit sideways close to a wall, then swing the legs up as you lower the back to the floor (without a wall, simply lie on the back).
2. Buttocks rest on the floor (or a folded blanket) a few centimeters from the wall; the back, shoulders and head lie flat.
3. Both legs are straight and together, pointing vertically up (hip flexed about 90 degrees), resting against the wall if present.
4. Arms rest on the floor slightly away from the body, palms up; head neutral, gaze up or eyes closed.
5. To exit, bend the knees and roll onto one side.

Muscles worked

Supporting: hamstrings