balancing pose

Balancing Star Yoga Pose Is a Cross Between Sage and Half Moon
How To

Strike a Yoga Pose: Balancing Star

Balancing poses mostly require a tremendous amount of focus, but this one, which is a creative cross between Sage and Half Moon, requires strength in your upper body and core as well.
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Balancing poses mostly require a tremendous amount of focus, but this one, which is a creative cross between Sage and Half Moon, requires strength in your upper body and core as well. As challenging as it is, it's also a really fun pose to try, because it makes you feel so open, adventurous, and bold.

Sanskrit Name: Utthita Ardha Chandrasana
English Translation: Extended Half Moon Pose
Also Called: Balancing Star

  • Begin in Downward Facing Dog pose. Step both feet together so your big toes are touching.
  • Move your right hand over to the left six or so inches so it's at the upper center of your mat.
  • Step your right foot forward two inches, and plant the sole of your right foot firmly on the mat so your toes are pointing to the left.
  • Roll open to your right side and lift your left hand off the mat. Raise your left leg up into the air.
  • Stay here balancing on your right hand and foot. Try to keep your shoulders, spine, and hips in one straight line, and gaze toward your left hand. Press your right fingertips into the mat to take some pressure out of your wrists. Hold here for five deep breaths, trying to keep your core strong and the pose steady.
  • Release your left hand and foot back to the mat, take a vinyasa coming back to Downward Facing Dog, and repeat this pose on the left side.
Down Dog Dancer Pose
How To

Strike a Yoga Pose: Down Dog Dancer

Balancing poses challenge our muscles as well as our minds.
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Balancing poses challenge our muscles as well as our minds. Some are harder than others, and if your back and hamstrings are flexible, you'll love this one, which is a combination of Downward Facing Dog and Dancer.

Sanskrit Name: Adho Mukha Svana Natarajasana
English Translation: Downward Facing Dog Dancer Pose

To learn how to do this pose read more

How to Do Eagle Pose
How To

Strike a Yoga Pose: Eagle

Many people take up yoga as a way to relax, reduce stress, and bring a sense of inner calmness.
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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 so much attention and focus that I'm 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. This particular balancing pose is also great for stretching out your calves, ankles, hips, and upper back.

Sanskrit Name: Garudasana
English Translation: Eagle Pose

Give this challenging balancing pose a try when you read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Half Moon
How To

Strike a Yoga Pose: Half Moon

If you've all been practicing Open Triangle, you'll have no problem floating right into Half Moon.
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If you've all been practicing Open Triangle, you'll have no problem floating right into Half Moon. The poses are very similar in that they focus on elongating your spine and toning the core, but Half Moon will also challenge your sense of balance.

Sanskrit Name: Ardha Chandrasana
English Translation: Half Moon Pose

To find out how to get into it read more

Yoga Pose of the Week: Dancer
How To

Strike a Yoga Pose: Dancer

When you're new to yoga, balancing poses offer an excellent challenge.
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When you're new to yoga, balancing poses offer an excellent challenge. On your first attempt you may end up falling over, but once you learn to focus your drishti (your gaze), you'll be able to balance on one leg for a long, long time – or at least five breaths. The Dancer pose stretches your shoulders and chest, increases flexibility in your hips and spine, and is also an amazing hamstring stretch for your standing leg.

Sanskrit Name: Natarajasana
English Translation: Lord of the Dance Pose
Also Called: Dancer Pose

Want to know how to get into this pose and stay balanced? Then read more

Yoga Pose of the Week: Crow
Yoga

Strike a Yoga Pose: Crow

I love yoga poses that both challenge my sense of balance and work on my strength, like this one called Crow.
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I love yoga poses that both challenge my sense of balance and work on my strength, like this one called Crow. I know it looks really hard, but once you break it down step by step and practice it a lot, you'll be flying like a crow in no time. Not only does it feel amazing to be balancing solely on your hands, but this pose really works your core and upper body, so it'll make you feel strong inside and out.

This pose is ultimately done with your arms straight, which takes a ton of upper body and abdominal strength. Once you can do this easily with your elbows bent then you can work on straightening your arms.

Sanskrit Name: Bakasana
English Translation: Crane Pose
Also Called: Crow Pose

How do you do this pose? To find out read more

Strike a Yoga Pose: Headstand A and B
Yoga

Strike a Yoga Pose: Headstand A and B

Inversions are some of my favorite types of yoga poses because I love how energized I feel getting blood circulating to my head.
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Inversions are some of my favorite types of yoga poses because I love how energized I feel getting blood circulating to my head. Plus overcoming the challenge of putting your head where your feet should be is quite satisfying. Talk about an ego boost. It should come as no surprise that inversions give you a new and interesting perspective on life.

Since I have shown you all Bound Headstand A, let's move onto Bound Headstand B. Both poses are part of the closing sequence in Ashtanga yoga, and they come right after Extended Fish pose.

Sanskrit Name: Sirsasana A and B
English Translation: Head Standing Posture A and B
Also Called: Bound Headstand and Half Bound Headstand

Keep reading to find out how to do this inversion.