2019-05-01_Yoga_Journal

PEAK POSE INSPO

This Stag-Leg variation is actually

easier than the full pose: The leading

leg reaching forward helps you take

fl ight and shift weight into your fore-

arms. The following leg acts as a coun-

terweight, making the pose feel safer

if you’re fearful of going upside down

while away from a wall. Think of the

back leg as an anchor you can drop

if needed. In fact, if you keep your

straight leg parallel to the fl oor, there’s

very little chance of toppling over.

Remember, you’ve built up this pose

by slowly practicing the shapes and

actions it is composed of, becoming

more confi dent in your ability and less

fearful of turning upsidedown. And if

you are still scared, don’t forget that

on the other side of fear is elation.

Pincha Mayurasana

PHOTOS: IAN SPANIER; MAKEUP: EMILY HARDINGER; CLOTHES: MODEL’S OWN

KEEP YOUR

CORE FIRM

This will help

protect your

lower back. LIFT YOUR INNER

SHOULDER BLADES

TOWARD YOUR HIPS

Keep your collarbones

wide—even as you reach

your chest forward.

BUILD A POSE

MAKE SURE

THIS LEG IS

PARALLEL TO

THE FLOOR

And the foot

should stay fl exed.

PRESS YOUR INNER WRISTS

AND FOREARMS DOWN

This will help keep your

elbows and forearms parallel,

and shoulder-distance apart.

FEATHERED PEACOCK POSE (AKA FOREARM BALANCE), VARIATION

FIND LENGTH

AND BREADTH IN

YOUR LOWER BACK

32 YOGA JOURNAL

This inversion is more difficult than Salamba Sirsasana (Headstand) or Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand)

because it requires a sublime balance between strength and flexibility in the shoulders.