THE ESSENTIAL YOGA POSES
- From Crescent pose,
lean forward 45 degrees
over your front thigh.
Engage your belly as you
reach your arms forward
alongside your ears.
Pause there.
- Transfer your weight
onto the front leg and lift
your back leg.
- Work to get your chest
parallel to the ground. Flex
through the lifted leg as if
you’re trying to step on the
wall behind you. Repeat on
the other side.
GAZE: Beyond the hands
PRECEDING POSES: Crescent, Tree
COUNTERPOSES: Standing
Forward Fold, Mountain pose
PRECAUTIONS: If this pose
bothers your lower back, try
modifying the position of your
arms by bringing hands to prayer
at your heart or alongside you,
reaching toward the back of the
room. If it is difficult to hold your
torso up, modify the pose by
placing two blocks under your
shoulders at their highest height.
Tent your fingers on top of them
and draw your chest forward.
TIP: To improve balance, press
your big toe into the mat and your
standing thigh toward the wall
behind you. D raw the navel to the
spine, but relax your shoulders.
