Fire Log Pose (Agnistambhasana)

Step by step

1. 1

   Start seated

   Sit tall with the legs crossed loosely in front of you.

2. 2

   Stack the shins

   Bring the right shin parallel to the front of the mat, then lift the left shin to stack directly on top, so the left ankle rests over the right knee and the left knee over the right ankle.

3. 3

   Flex and settle

   Flex both feet strongly to protect the knees, and let the shins settle toward parallel. Sit up on a cushion if the top knee floats high.

   Breath: Breathe steadily

4. 4

   Fold if comfortable

   Stay tall for a strong stretch, or walk the hands forward to fold gently and deepen the outer-hip stretch — only as far as feels comfortable.

5. 5

   Release and switch

   Come up, unstack the legs, shake them out, and repeat with the other shin on top.

Benefits

• ✓A deep opener for the outer hips and glutes
• ✓Improves hip mobility for sitting and other poses
• ✓Grounding and calming when held with the breath
• ✓Counters tightness from lots of sitting

Common mistakes

• →Letting the feet go floppy instead of flexing (risking the knees)
• →Forcing the top knee down toward the ankle
• →Rounding the back to fold forward
• →Skipping props when the hips are tight

Modifications & variations

• Sit up on a cushion or block to ease the hips
• Support the top knee on a cushion if it floats high
• Keep the legs in a simple cross-legged seat until the hips open

Related poses

• Hero Pose
• Lotus Pose
• Cow Face Pose
• Marichyasana A
• Thunderbolt Pose (Vajrasana)

Frequently asked questions

Why do my knees hurt in Fire Log Pose?

Usually the feet aren't flexed or the hips are tight, so the strain lands in the knees. Flex the feet firmly, sit up on a cushion, support the top knee, and never press the knee down — let the opening come from the hips.

Is Fire Log the same as Double Pigeon?

Yes — Fire Log Pose is often called Double Pigeon, because both stack the shins to open the outer hips.