Tag Archives: arm balance

Crow – The Gateway Arm Balance

01 Jan 15
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Arm Balances

Arm balances look intimidating.  They feel intimidating.  But they’re fun, trust me!  Crow pose is what I like to call the gateway arm balance pose.  Once you figure your way out of crow pose, you understand arm balances much better, and the more advance arm balances become easier to work your way around.  The reason crow pose is the best way to start getting into arm balances is because the distribution of your weight is condensed into a small, compact area, so it makes it easier to determine your balance.  So here are a few tips:

  1. Understand that it’s not so much a matter of arm strength or balance, but of learning how to distribute your weight.
  2. The closer your get your knees to your arm pits, the easier it’ll be.  Positioning your knees outside your arms and pushing into your arms while keeping your arms engaged will help you maintain stability.
  3. Getting into this pose doesn’t involve lifting up, but leaning forward into your hands until your feet lift off.  Then tuck your feet in if you can.
  4. Most people look down at the floor – try to look more forward.  Looking at the floor is a good way to find yourself there.
  5. Engage your pelvic muscles for more stability.
  6. BREATHE!

And that’s it!  Hopefully these tips will help you get into this fun and simple pose!

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