Mountain Pose - it's just standing, right?

Well, yes and no. It is really a foundation for all of the standing poses; it is also a place to gather our breath, assess how the body is feeling and ready ourselves (mentally and physically) for the next posture. And while it is the act of standing - something we do daily without a single thought - it is a mindful standing that, done properly, offers a range of physical benefits:

It builds symmetry and balance in posture and body alignment;

It strengthens and tones the buttocks, thigh muscles and those of the lower legs;

It improves strength in the core spinal and abdominal muscles;

It relaxes the shoulders, relieving tension;

It strengthens and increases mobility in the ankle, knee and hip joints;

It relieves sciatica;

It reduces flat feet.