yoga challenge

by POPSUGAR Fitness

Here's the latest Yoga Challenge for you to try.

Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana A English translation: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose Also called: Standing Hand to Big Toe A

This balancing pose is great because it's a lot less scary than balancing inversions like the last challenge called Double Arm Headstand. This pose stretches out the hamstrings, shoulders, and encourages a long and extended spine. There are actually four variations to this pose, and this is the first one, hence the "A" at the end of its name.

If you are new to this pose, first work on balancing on one foot - don't worry if your knees are bent. After you've gotten the hang of that, work on straightening your left leg first, and then your right.

Don't Forget! Get a friend to snap a picture of you doing it. Then go to the YOGA CHALLENGE group. If you aren't already a member, click on the word "Subscribe" on the left-hand side under the black & white photo. If you're not sure how to post your picture to the group, check out this explanation. I'll choose my favorite and post it right here on FitSugar.

If you want to hear how to get into this pose, then read more

by POPSUGAR Fitness

Have you tried the latest YOGA CHALLENGE? The pose is a Double Arm Headstand, and since this is a pretty difficult pose (this is a challenge isn't it?), I thought seeing a video would help you figure out how to get both in and out of the pose.

If that's too challenging, you can try Double Arm Headstand in front of a wall - using the wall for balance and support. To see the video, read more

by POPSUGAR Fitness

Remember the YOGA CHALLENGE called Twisting Extended Side Angle? I love this pose because it makes me feel strong and dainty at the same time.

FitSugar user lissagarden sent in a picture of herself doing this pose and it's my favorite. Doesn't she look powerful yet graceful? All that with a smile too. I also noticed that she's using a Yogitoes yoga towel on her black mat to prevent her from slipping. She is one serious yogi.

Don't forget about the newest YOGA CHALLENGE called Double Arm Headstand.


Get a friend to snap a picture of you in the pose. Then go to the YOGA CHALLENGE group. If you aren't already a member, click on the word "Subscribe" on the left-hand side under the black & white photo.

If you're not sure how to post your picture to the group, check out this explanation.

My favorite Double Arm Headstand will be posted right here on FitSugar just like this one.

Have fun!

by POPSUGAR Fitness

Are you ready for the latest YOGA CHALLENGE? Oh good. Since you've been practicing Bound Headstand, here's a variation for you to try called Double Arm Headstand.

It just takes a little practice to distribute the weight evenly across your arms and head, but once you get it, you'll say "Oh, this is just like Bound Headstand!"

Sanskrit Name: Baddha Hasta Sirsasana B English Translation: Bound Hands Headstand Posture B Also Called: Double Arm Headstand

Get a friend to snap a picture of you doing it. Then go to the YOGA CHALLENGE group. If you aren't already a member, click on the word "Subscribe" on the left-hand side under the black & white photo. If you're not sure how to post your picture to the group, check out this explanation.

Are you ready? If you want to know how to get into Double Arm Headstand, then read more

by POPSUGAR Fitness

The last challenge was called Balancing Wide Squat and my favorite was posted by rugeorge. She even got her friend to do it with her and they're wearing matching outfits (it wasn't planned, but it's still adorable!).

Now don't forget about the newest challenge called Twisting Extended Side Angle.

Get a camera ready when you're practicing this pose, so a friend can snap a picture and you can post it in the YOGA CHALLENGE Group. Not sure how? Check out this explanation.

by POPSUGAR Fitness

Here's the next yoga challenge for you to try, practice then conquer.

Be sure to get a friend to snap a picture of you doing it. Then go to the YOGA CHALLENGE group. If you're not sure how to post your picture to the group, check out this explanation.

Now onto the challenge. This pose works your quads, your hips, and is a great shoulder opener.

• Begin in Warrior 2 with the right knee bent.
• Drop your right forearm so it's resting on your right thigh.
• Then reach your left arm around your lower back. If you can, wrap your fingers around the front of your right inner thigh.
• Stay for 5 or more breaths and then try the other side.

Have fun and I can't wait to see your pics!

by POPSUGAR Fitness

Spring has gotten me excited for the newest yoga challenge - Balancing Squat. This pose is great for stretching out the tiny muscles in your feet that have been cooped up in big clunky boots for much too long. This is also great for feet that get so stiff and sore from walking in heels and running.

Just as the name of this pose suggests, it's also great for working on your balance as well as opening your hips just like in Wide Squat and Bound Squat.

Be sure to get a friend to snap a picture of you doing it. Then go to the YOGA CHALLENGE group. If you're not sure how to post your picture to the group, check out this easy explanation.

This pose is easy to get into, here's how:

• Begin standing in Mountain pose.
• Bend your knees and squat down all the way, bringing your hands on the ground in front of your feet.
• Bring your heels and the balls of your feet together (the part beneath your toes). Take your knees out wide.
• Balancing on just your toes, work on bringing one hand up towards your chest and then the other, gazing at a still point in front of you to hold you steady.
• Hold for 5 breaths and then come to stand up slowly.

That's it my friends. Not too tough, right? I'm looking forward to seeing your wonderful pics in the YOGA CHALLENGE Group.

by POPSUGAR Fitness

Remember our last Yoga Challenge? It was called Goddess Pose. Check out yogini doing it. Not only do I love the beauty and strength I feel emanating from her in this pose, but I LOVE her name. Yogini means "a woman who does yoga."

Doesn't she look so comfortable in this pose? I bet she could hang out in it for hours. Thanks for sharing it with the FitSugar world.

Are you psyched for the latest yoga challenge? It's called Standing Half-Bound Lotus. It's an awesome balancing pose that also works on opening your hips.

I am so looking forward to seeing the photos you send in to the YOGA CHALLENGE Group. I'll choose my favorite picture and post it right here on FitSugar.

You can also go to the YOGA CHALLENGE Group and check out all my yoga challenge faves under "Latest Photos." Your picture could be next.

by POPSUGAR Fitness

Hey folks. Ready for the new yoga challenge? It's called Standing Half-Bound Lotus. You can practice with Tree pose first, and then you can work on this pose. It really opens up your hips, one at a time, while challenging your balance. When you reach your arm behind you, you'll also feel a stretch in the chest and front of the shoulders.

Don't forget to get those cameras ready. Go to the YOGA CHALLENGE group. On the left-hand side, click on "Create & Share!" Then click on "Blog." Add a title, some keywords, and then under "Body" click on "Add Image" to upload your picture. Add some words if you'd like and then click "Submit." How easy is that? Getting into the pose in the first place will be the tough part. Can't wait to see your photos!

Begin in Mountain pose. Shift weight into your left foot, grounding firmly, and then bend your right knee. Grab onto your right foot with both hands, and gently pull it up in front of your left hip. If this feels okay, let your right knee drop down. Hold onto your right foot with your left hand and then reach your right arm around your lower back.
You can grab onto the front of your elbow and stay here, or work on grabbing onto your toes with your right hand. Stay here or keep reading to see the real challenge.

Want to see what else you can do? Then read more

by POPSUGAR Fitness

One brave woman posted her amazing morning Eagle pose. Her name is celebrity_soup and she did it at 7 am, with no warming up! It amazes me that she has so much energy right when she wakes up. Nice!

Are you ready for the latest challenge? It's called Goddess pose. It also involves balance like Eagle pose, but requires a little more strength and endurance to stay in it.

Just like celebrity_soup, you too could post your picture to the IYOGA CHALLENGE Group. Come on, you know you want to. Be inspired to share your poses, and it will inspire others to do the same.