Side Crow Pose
Sanskrit Name: Parsva Bakasana
Challenge Level: Very Hard
Side crow pose, also referred to as side crane pose, is an arm balancing posture that greatly improves balance and builds arm strength. As an advanced version of crow pose, side crow pose can be more demanding, but it can be more rewarding as well. To perform side crow pose, squat with the thighs parallel to the ground. Twist the upper body to the left until the right elbow can be placed on the outer thigh of the left leg. Place the palms on the floor, shoulder-distance apart. Bend the elbows until the upper arms are parallel to the ground. Stack the left thigh on top of the right upper arm so the right thigh is over the left thigh as the feet lift off the ground. These steps are then repeated on the opposite side.
Categories
Arm Balance Poses
Arm balance asanas in yoga can be challenging, but also a very rewarding part of any yoga practice. They are beneficial as strength builders, they promote great circulation and demand ultimate concentration of the mind.
Twist Yoga Poses
Twists rotate the spine and stretch the muscles of the back. This helps to restore and retain the spine’s natural range of motion. If we don’t employ our natural range of motion we run the risk of our joints hardening and fusing. The surrounding supportive soft tissue can also become short and dysfunctional. By extending the muscles to their full length regularly with twists once or twice a day we can help to prevent this.
Core Yoga Poses
In yoga, core stability is key for proper alignment and balance in asana practice. Engage in your abdominal muscles with core yoga poses to help build a strong and stable core. Doing so will help prevent injury, speed rehabilitation and improve performance in all types of sports.