Preparatory King Dancer

Saral Natarajasana

Pronounce: sah-rahl nah-tah-RAH-JAH-sah-nah

Instructions

Begin in Mountain Pose. Shift your weight to your left foot. Bend your right knee with an exhale, drawing the foot toward your buttocks. Clasp the inside of the ankle with your right hand. Reach your left arm forward and up with an inhale, touching the index finger and thumb together. Slowly extend your right foot up and back with an exhale. Try to bring the thigh parallel to the floor (or even higher). Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths. Slowly lower your leg with an exhale. Change sides. Alignment Cues: Hips squared Avoid compressing low back Steady gaze Do not lock standing knee Leg raised directly behind body Modification: Brace your outstretched hand on a wall to balance.
Exercise Name: Preparatory King Dancer Instruction: Begin in Mountain Pose. Shift your weight to your left foot. Bend your right knee with an exhale, drawing the foot toward your buttocks. Clasp the inside of the ankle with your right hand. Reach your left arm forward and up with an inhale, touching the index finger and thumb together. Slowly extend your right foot up and back with an exhale. Try to bring the thigh parallel to the floor (or even higher). Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths. Slowly lower your leg with an exhale. Change sides. Alignment Cues: Hips squared Avoid compressing low back Steady gaze Do not lock standing knee Leg raised directly behind body Modification: Brace your outstretched hand on a wall to balance. Primary Body Parts: Chest, Quadriceps, Shoulders, Spine Secondary Body Parts: Abs, Calves, Middle Back / Lats, Obliques, Upper Back & Lower Traps, Ankles Equipments: Categories: Back bends, Balancing, Hip openers, Standing