Seated Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800222

Eagle Arms Only Garudasana (arms)

The double arm wrap of eagle taken seated. Opens the rear shoulder and upper back with no balance demand.

Practice Eagle Arms Only (Garudasana (arms)) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Eagle Arms Only (Garudasana (arms)) — Seated Yoga Posture Illustration

Eagle Arms Only (Garudasana (arms)) — Seated posture targeting Shoulders, Traps, Deltoids · Even ujjayi breath · Forward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Garudasana (arms)
Posture Family
Seated
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
40 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Forward
Target Muscles
Shoulders, Traps, Deltoids
Energy Expenditure
1.6 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Eagle Arms Only

Eagle Arms Only (Garudasana (arms)) belongs to the Seated posture family and engages the Shoulders, Traps, Deltoids at an intensity of approximately 1.6 METs. The double arm wrap of eagle taken seated. Opens the rear shoulder and upper back with no balance demand.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 40-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Forward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Shoulders, Traps, Deltoids.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (36 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 40 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Shoulder injury

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