3 Easy arm balance poses to beging with -

I know arm balances poses can be intimidating for beginners in the yoga practice.When fear becomes the prime mover in taking a pose, we forget completely about the proper alignment and breathing.

We all have been there; just remember there is always a first time for everything, be patient with your self.

Why would you include arm balances postures in your practice?

Because they have great benefits!

Let’s go through a few of them:

Help to keep you mind focus.
Increase the strength in your arms, wrists and core muscles= increase you confidence
Improve your balance.
They are a great preparation for the future practice of more challenging postures, like handstands.

Here I am going to share 3 arm balance postures you can start with.

In Sanskrit: BABY BAKASANA OR BABY CROW in English

Start on your forearm plank, walk your feet close to your hand to dolphin posture, shift your weight forward, (lots of pressure in your shoulders, I know)

Use your finger like if you wanted to grab the floor. Try to bring one knee at the time close to your armpits, when you got this

Try with both and voila!

In Sanskrit: BAKASANA or CROW in English

Start on yogi squat or Malasana, bring the palms of your hand on the floor right there in front of you.

Push the floor, round you spine and try to bring one knee at the time close to your armpits.

If you got this try with both!

In Sanskrit: PARSVA BAKASANA or SIDE CROW in English

Bend your knees to a half squat or to Chair pose, Utkatasana , bring your hands together in Anjali mudra.

Twist your torso to the right, cross you left elbow over your right knee and try to place it on your right thigh.

Lean toward your right side until your hands reach the floor, seek the palms of your hand pressing firmly pushing the floor away, so you can transfer the weight from your feet to your hands.

Round your spine, press with your core muscles in, lift you hip and try to draw your heels toward your buttocks .

With your eyes gazing forward.

Repeat to your other side

I know all this sound easier than it actually is, this is just a short description on how you can get into each of these postures.

There is high chances it wont happen at the first try, still do not get disappointed keep trying it will happen eventually.

“Perseverance is not a long race:

It is many short races, one after another”.

Walter Elliot.

Here are some tips:

Always wear comfortable clothe. I am a big fan of Prana, but any comfortable clothe is good
Work with a lots of postural poses before, like planks or side planks
Put a blanket or pillow with there in front of you face to make sure you will have a soft landing it is needed.
Use props like block for extra supports. Ex: in Bakasana start with you feet on the blocks and hands on the floor.
Keep your hand separate shoulder distance width.
Don’t be afraid to put your weight forward, towards your fingertips ( you should have the pillow or blanket for soft landing in front of you 😉
Keep your hips high so the weight is not on your wrist only.
Use all the palm of your hand
Shoulders always far from your neck
Have lots of fun!