Arm balances build amazing strength in your arms and core, but honestly, they are just fun to do. You come out of them typically with a smile, thinking to yourself- “I did that!!!”
Try playing around with Eka Pada Koundinyasana II (with a bent front leg) in these steps. Build up to it and take your time. You may not get off the ground the first time. Learning how to do anything in life takes practice. Arm balances are no different. Remember, we don’t hop. We lift.
- Start in plank and bring a knee to a tricep, then lower down to chaturanga. Press back up to plank. Repeat this several times to get comfortable with the shape and to build your strength in the arms. Be sure to try it on both legs!
- Once that feels easier to do in your body- try to fly! Feel the weight shift into your entire hands, even your fingers. And lift the back leg. Don’t forget; the core needs to be engaged. Don’t hop! When you hop the back leg, you have to overcompensate for balance, making it harder on yourself.
- Keep trying to fly on each leg. You might be surprised that it’s easier to do on one side of the body rather than the other.
- Try and hold the shape for several breaths. Then when you are ready, extend the front leg straight.
You did it!!!!!
