Marilyn Monroe: Actress, Model and Badass Yogi?

Marilyn Monroe, rest her soul, was known for many things. Of course she was an acclaimed model, actress and mid-century sex symbol. One thing Monroe was rarely acknowledged for, however, were her badass yoga skills.  

Check out these photos from a studio session with Columbia and Fox in 1948:

1. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

(Photo via John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images)

2. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

(Photo via John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images)

3. Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)

(Photo via John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images)

4. Modified Shoulder Stand (Ardha Sarvangasana)

(Photo via John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images)

5. Boat Pose (Navasana)

(Photo via John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images)

Pretty cool, right?  According to an interview with LIFE magazine in 1952, Monroe was attracted to yoga as a way to tone her body.  She, “couldn’t stand exercise if I had to feel regimented about it.”