Many people take up Yoga as a way to relax, reduce stress and bring a sense of inner calmness. For me, balancing poses are the most effective at reducing the stresses of life because they require all my attention and focus, that I am forced to forget about everything else. Staying in the pose and not falling requires all your effort and concentration. Once you release the pose, you feel an amazing wave of relief and contentment.
Here are some of my favorite balancing poses. Some of them solely challenge your sense of balance, and others also challenge your strength and flexibility. Just click on the name of the pose to learn how to get into them.
| Sanskrit Name: Bakasana English Translation: Crane Pose Also Called: Crow |
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| Sanskrit Name: (beginner's) Vasisthasana English Translation: Sage Pose Also Called: Side Plank |
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Want to see the others? Then read more
| Sanskrit Name: Bakasana English Translation: Half Moon Pose Also Called: |
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| Sanskrit Name: Upavishta Konasana English Translation: Seated Angle Pose Also Called: Balancing Wide Legs |
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| Sanskrit Name: Baddha Hasta Sirsasana B English Translation: Bound Hands Headstand Pose Also Called: Double Arm Headstand |
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| Sanskrit Name: Pincha Mayurasana English Translation: Feathered Peacock Pose Also Called: Forearm Stand |
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| Sanskrit Name: Garudasana English Translation: Eagle Pose Also Called: Eagle |
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| Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana A English translation: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose Also called: Standing Hand to Big Toe A |
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Ugh. Balance is my demon. I can do many of the arm balancing poses, but try to balance on one leg and I turn into the world's biggest klutz. Eagle pose in particular is a DISASTER. I guess we all have our Waterloo...
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