I have been working on today’s pose for quite some time. And as with all things, if I am not consistently working on it in my practice, I lose it quicker than it took to build the base.
What pose am I referring to?
Crow.
I think crow may be one of the first arm balances introduced in many yoga classes. There are also side versions of each, but admittedly, I have a ways to go yet until I can find comfort in that version of uncomfortable, but with each day, I’m getting closer to achieving that full crow practice.
One of my favorite ways to get into this pose is from malasana, or yogi squat. With your knees bent, butt towards the ground and elbows inside your knees pushing them outward, it’s not only a great stretch, it’s a great crow transition.
We plant our hands flat on the mat with chatturanga arms, take our knees basically right into our arm pits and lean forward, slowly picking up one foot and then the other until we’re quite literally balancing on our arms.
I remember an instructor prompting us to “puff our backs up” as that visual cue that will include engaging our core and bandahs.
As scary as it can be to balance and be upside down like that, the great thing about crow is that we don’t have that far to fall, should that be the direction things go.
Here are a few benefits of crow:
- Builds endurance and focus
- Strengthens the wrists
- Tones the abdominal wall
- Strengthens arms
- Stretches and strengthens the back
[ctt title=”Build endurance with crow pose!” tweet=”Build endurance with crow pose! #nationalyogamonth via @iamkatiearnold http://ctt.ec/80GF9+” coverup=”80GF9″]
While I’m still working on my crow pose (you can see in the photos there is one foot still on the ground as I practice lifting one and then the other), there is a pose that I surprised myself the other weekend by being a lot closer to it than I had any clue: Eight Ankle pose. Check it out!
Do you have any arm balances in your practice?
Do you have your eye on being able to do any arm balances?
I still struggle with this one. I am determined to master it.
Ref J recently posted…How to Make Money With Studypool
I have yet to be able to do crow pose but I know I will feel so accomplished when I do!
This one is so challenging and frustrating for me. I just cant do it yet!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…September Goals/Intentions Review
I could never do this! You are impressive!
Ok, this one I haven’t been able to manage, yet, but I am working on it! Thank you so much for all the motivation! You are awesome!
Chrissy recently posted…Fall Inspired Home Decor
I know that takes a lot of time and dedication to develop the strength and agility to do that pose. I have done yoga for a number of year though I slacked a bit but, I still cannot do that pose. But one day. If people only knew how beneficial yoga was to the body . . .
Thanks for sharing more on yoga poses. I’ve been slowly adding more yoga into my cool down routines after cardio and strength training, and it has done wonders for my sore muscles, posture, etc.
Kiara Catanzaro recently posted…5 Posts I Loved: September Edition
Getting into crow pose was the first time that I really felt like a yogi. It will forever have a place in my heart!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…I Don’t Talk Politics