FitSugar

Strike a Yoga Pose: Pigeon Crescent

FitSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 05:30:00 -0700

This variation of the Pigeon pose, takes it to a whole new level. After experimenting with Pigeon Twist, you are going to want to try Pigeon Crescent. The pose feels very majestic and peaceful and really opens up your hips.

Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Kapotasana (variation)
English Translation: One-Legged King Pigeon Pose (variation)
Also Called: Pigeon Crescent

For a detailed description of how to do this pose read more.

Begin in Downward Facing Dog. Bring your right knee forward between your hands and come into Pigeon pose.
Rest your right hand beside your right shin and bend your left knee.
Reach for your left foot with your right hand and place the top of your foot in the crook of your left elbow.
Keep your left elbow bent to hold your foot in place, and then raise your right arm overhead. If you can, hold your right fingers with your left hand.
Work on opening through your chest and arching back slightly, but try to keep the weight of your torso right over your hips. Stay here for five or more breaths, and then gently release your arms and straighten your left leg behind you.
Plant your palms on either side of your right knee and step your right leg back and come into Downward Facing Dog, holding here for one complete breath. Then bring your left knee forward in between your hands and do this pose on the other side.

Strike a Yoga Pose: One-Legged King Pigeon

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

If you loved Pigeon Twist and Pigeon Crescent, then you're ready to try One-legged King Pigeon. It's a little bit more challenging than the other two, but feels great in your spine, shoulders, and hips.

Sanskrit Name: Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana
English Translation: One-Legged King Pigeon Pose

Want to know how to get into it? Then read more

Begin in Downward Facing Dog. Bring your right knee forward between your hands and come into Pigeon pose.
Rest your right hand on your right knee and bend your left knee.
Flex your left foot and bring your left hand under your foot and try to grab onto your toes.
This is the tricky part. You need to flip your left elbow up to the ceiling, so your toes are pointing straight up and your fingers are pointing down.
From here, you can arch your head back and reach your right hand over your head to hold onto your left toes. If it's easy, touch the top of your head to your foot.
Stay here for at least five breaths and then release your hands and place your palms on either side of your right knee.
Straighten out your left leg behind you and tuck your toes. Then press into your palms and step your right leg back, coming in Down Dog. Then bring your left knee forward and try this pose on the other side.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Crescent Moon

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

I love yoga not only because it strengthens and stretches my muscles, but also because of the feelings I get in certain poses. Sometimes I feel bold and grounded, like in Hummingbird, and sometimes I feel calm and content, as in Pigeon Twist. Then there are poses, like Crescent Moon, that make me feel beautiful and energized. Arching your back helps open your heart both physically and emotionally.

Sanskrit Name: Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana
English Translation: Three-Legged Downward Facing Dog Pose
Also Called: One-Legged Dog

If you're ready to give this pose a try, then read more.

Begin in Downward Facing Dog, with both hands and feet pressed firmly into the floor.
Step your right foot forward between your hands, coming into Warrior 1. Then open hips, arms, and chest, coming into Warrior 2.
From here, gently arch back and lower your left hand down, resting it on the back of your left leg. Raise your right arm overhead, feeling the stretch through the right side of the body. Make sure you continue to lower your hips, and press your front knee forward so it's directly over your right ankle.
Remain here for five complete breaths. Then lift your torso up, place your hands on the floor and move back into Down Dog. Then step your left foot forward and do this pose on the other side.