|
 | Whenever I post about advanced yoga postures, which tend to include things like deep back-bends, inversions, and arm balances, I get a lot of "how'd you do that?" and "how can I do that?" responses. Most of the time, the answer is pretty self-evident: keep practicing. This week, I want to take a look at three advanced poses and their preparatory versions. Remember that getting into the more difficult posture is not inherently better. It's just another step along the path and there will always be a way to deepen a posture as well as a time to pull back from one. | |
Forearm Stand - Pincha Mayurasana
Many of us fooled around with headstands and handstands as kids, so when we encounter them in a yoga class, at least the concept is clear. Forearm stands introduce an unfamiliar alignment, with the head off the floor and the forearms parallel. One of the best ways to make this position more comfortable is to practice dolphin pose, which is essentially downward dog with the forearms on the floor. To open the shoulders and prepare to kick up, walk your feet in closer to your elbows. A strap around the upper arms to keep them shoulders-distance apart is also good preparation.
| Monkey Pose - Hanumanasana
A full spilt certainly looks like a stretch (ha ha) for most beginners. The way to work up to it is to start with a basic hamstring stretch like pyramid pose. Over time, you can begin to work on taking the feet farther and farther apart. As you get closer to the floor, it's helpful to lower the back knee to the mat and work from there.
| Elephant's Trunk Pose - Eka Hasta Bhujasana
As an arm balance, eka hasta bhujasana is going to require a good deal of core strength, which you can build through regular asana practice and (shudder) crunches. To prepare for the leg position, consider eye of the needle pose. As you draw your thigh closer to the body, you are essentially moving your leg to your upper arm, which is where it needs to be for eka hasta bhujasana. In fact, should you be so inclined, you can hook your leg while reclined and roll right up into the arm balance. Some day.
| Pose of the Week - Bird of Paradise
 Much like last week's pose (utthita hasta padangusthasana), standing up to balance in bird of paradise requires a healthy dose of just going for it. The first few times, it seems completely unlikely that you'll be able to achieve lift-off from the crazy, twisted position you're in, but if you don't over think it, you might just stand right up into something graceful and powerful. Worth a try, right?
| |
| | Yoga Ads
| | | | Featured Articles | |
| | | More from About.com | | | | | | Plan a Caribbean Vacation
Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a girlfriend getaway, or an active family vacation we've got the resources you need. Read more...>
| | | | How to Eat Locally
Eating locally has many benefits, the food is fresher, tastes better, and has less environmental impact. But how can you get started? Read more...>
|
| | | | Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics | | | | You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Yoga newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here.
About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy
Contact Information:
249 West 17th Street
New York, NY, 10011
© 2012 About.com | | | | |
Must Reads | | | | Follow me on: | | | |
Advertisement
 | |
Nema komentara:
Objavi komentar