Poses

Arm Balance Poses

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  Bakasana (Crane Pose)

  A compact arm balance, Crane Pose tones and strengthens the abdominal organs and arms.

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  Astavakrasana (Eight-Angle Pose)

  This pose is named in honor of Astavakra (literally, "eight curves"), a sage born, because of his father's curse, with deformed limbs, later made straight after bathing in the Samanga river.

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  Tittibhasana (Firefly Pose)

  This arm balance requires more core strength than arm strength.

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  Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)

  In Hindu lore, the peacock is a symbol of immortality and love.

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  Eka Pada Koundiyanasana I (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I)

  Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is a twist, but it's one in which the legs go in separate ways.

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  Tolasana (Scale Pose)

  The head, torso, and legs hang from and balance on the hands like the pans of an old-fashioned scale.

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  Parsva Bakasana (Side Crane Pose)

  The key to Parsva Bakasana is twisting enough to place the outer edge of one upper arm far around the outside of the opposite thigh.

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  Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose)

  Purvottanasana counteracts the effects of Chaturanga by stretching the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and anterior deltoids.

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  Dolphin Plank Pose

  A modification of Plank Pose, Dolphin Plank Pose strengthens and tones the core, thighs, and arms.

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  Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose)

  This pose is also commonly called Forearm or Elbow Balance.

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  Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose)

  The challenging yoga push-up frequently practiced as part of the traditional Sun Salutation sequence.

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  Plank Pose

  Plank Pose is a good precursor to more challenging arm balances.

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  Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya II)

  Tones the belly and spine, strengthens the arms and wrists, and gives your self-confidence a big boost.

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  Bhujapidasana (Shoulder-Pressing Pose)

  This arm balance relies more on precise positioning than on strength, making it more accessible for students beginning an arm balancing practice.

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  Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose)

  A powerful arm and wrist strengthener. Might also be called the One-Arm Balance.

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  Camatkarasana (Wild Thing)

  One poetic translation of this pose means "the ecstatic unfolding of the enraptured heart."