Mermaid

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

Pronounce: ek-uh PAH-dah RAH-jah-kahp-oh-TAH-sah-nah

Instructions

Begin in Downward Facing Dog. With an exhale place your left knee on the floor in between your hands, left ankle behind right wrist. Lower your right knee to the floor, scooting your leg back so that both hips are near the floor. Untuck the back toes. Check that your back leg is extended straight behind you. Rise onto your fingertips and lengthen your spine. Bend your right leg and hook your elbow around the ankle with an exhale. Reach your left arm toward the sky with an inhale. Bend your elbow and bringing your forearm behind your head, hook your hands together. Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths. Release your hands and back leg. Place both hands on the floor. Tuck your back toes under and carefully push yourself back to Downward Facing Dog with an exhale. Change sides. Alignment Cues: Square hips toward front of mat Scissor legs toward one another Breathe deeply Flex front foot Lift and extend spine Modification: Keep the front hand on the floor.
Exercise Name: Mermaid Instruction: Begin in Downward Facing Dog. With an exhale place your left knee on the floor in between your hands, left ankle behind right wrist. Lower your right knee to the floor, scooting your leg back so that both hips are near the floor. Untuck the back toes. Check that your back leg is extended straight behind you. Rise onto your fingertips and lengthen your spine. Bend your right leg and hook your elbow around the ankle with an exhale. Reach your left arm toward the sky with an inhale. Bend your elbow and bringing your forearm behind your head, hook your hands together. Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths. Release your hands and back leg. Place both hands on the floor. Tuck your back toes under and carefully push yourself back to Downward Facing Dog with an exhale. Change sides. Alignment Cues: Square hips toward front of mat Scissor legs toward one another Breathe deeply Flex front foot Lift and extend spine Modification: Keep the front hand on the floor. Primary Body Parts: Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps, Spine Secondary Body Parts: Abs, Chest, Shoulders, Knees Equipments: Categories: Back bends, Hip openers