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Beginner Restorative Supine HathaGentle

Supported Legs on a Chair

Also called Supported Legs Up · Calves on a Chair

This restorative position is a gentle alternative to Legs Up the Wall, suitable for nearly everyone.

Level
Beginner
Hold
5–15 minutes
Focus
Restorative rest
Steps
5 cues · ~1 min
Supported Legs on a Chair demonstrated on a mat
  • Legs heavy
  • Back melting into the floor
WorksLegs · lower back

Step by step

How to do Supported Legs on a Chair

StartLie on your back in front of a chair.

  1. 1

    Lie on your back with a chair at your feet.

  2. 2

    Lift the legs and rest the calves on the chair seat.

  3. 3

    Adjust so the knees and hips are both at about 90°.

  4. 4

    Rest the arms by your sides or on the belly.

  5. 5

    Cover yourself with a blanket and close your eyes.

  6. ↩

    Coming out. Lower the feet, roll onto your side and rest before sitting up.

Breath

Natural, relaxed breathing.

Focus

Restorative rest

Why practise it

Deeply relaxing; eases tired legs and lower back.

Alignment

Cues & common mistakes

Aim for Calves fully supported; lower back relaxed on the floor.

Teacher’s cues

  • “Legs heavy”
  • “Back melting into the floor”

Watch out for

Chair too far away so the legs strain.

Make it yours

Easier, harder, supported

Easier

Use cushions on the chair to adjust height.

Variations
  • Legs Up the Wall
Props
  • Chair or sofa
  • Blanket

In a sequence

Where it fits in a flow

  1. This poseSupported Legs on a Chair
  2. AfterCorpse Pose

Good to know

Questions

Can I do this on a sofa?

Yes, any stable surface at the right height works.

In the tradition

A restorative yoga prop variation.

What helps

Props that make this easier

  • Non-slip yoga mat A 4–6 mm mat with good grip makes standing poses steadier. View on Amazon
  • Cork yoga block Brings the floor closer in forward folds and supported poses. View on Amazon
  • Cotton yoga strap Extends your reach in hamstring and shoulder stretches. View on Amazon
Setting up a home practice space?Our short list of props worth having, from mat to meditation cushion. See YogiSoul picks

As an Amazon Associate, YogiSoul earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon in your country’s store.

Hold Supported Legs on a Chair

Ready

0 / 5 breaths

Legs heavy

esc