Poses for Your Hands

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

Fire up your abs for this difficult asymmetrical arm balance, Eight-Angle Pose.

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

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.

A compact arm balance, Crow Pose and Crane Pose tone the abs and the arms, strengthen in the core, and focus the mind.

Adho Mukha Vrksasana boosts energy and confidence, and can literally give you a new perspective on life.

One of yoga's most widely recognized poses, Adho Mukha Svanasana strengthens the core and improves circulation, while providing a delicious, full-body stretch.

When's the last time you reminded yourself that you can do difficult things?

Chaturanga Dandasana is not merely a push-up. This pivotal yoga pose is instrumental—so it's important to practice it properly.

Want to fly? Fire up your core. Firefly pose is an arm balance pose that requires more core strength than arm strength.

Nurture your love-hate relationship with Plank Pose. A beginner's best friend, it's the perfect precursor to more challenging arm balances.

Garuda Mudra is named after the eagle that Vishnu—the lord of preservation—rides. It can help you cultivate the discipline you need to stick with your daily yoga practice when life gets busy.

Master teacher Sianna Sherman takes us step by step through Padma Mudra.

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

According to Hindu lore, the Peacock symbolizes immortality, love, and patience. Peacock Pose, called Mayurasana in Sanskrit, works to lovingly strengthen the core while stretching the palm side of the wrists.

Heal your carpal tunnel syndrome for good with this innovative yogic approach.

Check out Angela Pirisi's author page.

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.

In Extended Hand-to-big-toe Pose, maintaining solid grounding through the standing foot helps keep you steady.

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I or Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I has a lot going on—the twist, the legs going their separate ways, oh, and the arm balance. Master it.

An excellent facilitator of good pelvic floor health, Garland Pose, called Malasana in Sanskrit, stretches the ankles, groins, and back while stimulating proper digestion. No worries if your heels don't reach the floor—simply rest them on a folded blanket.

Learn this traditional hand seal or gesture used for controlled pranayama.

Blow off some steam, wake up your face, and lighten up your practice in silly Simhasana.

Strengthen your wrists, arms, and abs, hanging in the balance of Tolasana.

Practicing Anjali Mudra is an excellent way to induce a meditative state of awareness.

Need an energy boost? Urdhva Dhanurasana can help—and strengthen your arms, legs, abdomen, and spine in the process.

By providing a conscious opening in the chest and stretch in the shoulders, Cobra Pose, called Bhujangasana in Sanskrit, fights fatigue and relieves lower back pain, boosting both the energetic and the physical body.