Sleeping Pigeon

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

Pronounce: eh-kuh 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. Stay here for a few breaths. Slowly walk your hands forward with an exhale and rest your forehead on the floor. Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths. Tuck your back toes under and carefully push yourself back to Downward Facing Dog with an exhale. Change sides. Alignment Cues: Square hips Scissor legs toward one another Extend back leg directly behind body Breathe deeply into hips Modification: Keep your torso lifted. Draw your front heel close to your body to lessen the stretch.
Exercise Name: Sleeping Pigeon 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. Stay here for a few breaths. Slowly walk your hands forward with an exhale and rest your forehead on the floor. Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths. Tuck your back toes under and carefully push yourself back to Downward Facing Dog with an exhale. Change sides. Alignment Cues: Square hips Scissor legs toward one another Extend back leg directly behind body Breathe deeply into hips Modification: Keep your torso lifted. Draw your front heel close to your body to lessen the stretch. Primary Body Parts: Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Quadriceps Secondary Body Parts: Shoulders, Spine Equipments: Categories: Forward bends, Hip openers