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)

 

2. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

 

3. Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)

 

4. Modified Shoulder Stand (Ardha Sarvangasana)

 

5. Boat Pose (Navasana)

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.”