Asana of the Week #7 King of Dance Pose

Apologies for missing Asana of the Week last time -I was away and forgot to schedule a post, but I'll be sharing what I got up to later this week.

Each week, on  Tuesday I will share a pose and explain how to get into the position correctly. Then, I challenge you to try the asana, and tag me on Twitter (@EleanorMayC) or Instagram (@EleanorMay_C) using the hashtag #AsanaoftheWeek Comment below if you have got involved, and have fun!

This week is a balance; King of Dance Pose, Natarajasana. King of Dance Pose strengthens the legs, improves balance and stretches the upper back and shoulders.

Start in standing Mountain Pose. Ground the right foot, and bend the left leg back, so that the heel moves toward the hips. Catch the inner side of the foot with the left hand, and tilt forward, keeping your chest opened up skywards and the shoulder blades squeezed together. To protect the lower back, tilt the tailbone towards the floor and engage the ab muscles. Find a focus point to stare at to help maintain balance. Repeat on the other leg.

Photo from Shape

Level it up.
Want to improve flexibility more and hold the full pose? Instead of catching your foot with your hand, loop a yoga strap or strong belt around it, and bend the elbows up and behind the head, with both hands reaching back to hold onto the strap. Inch your arms as far down the strap as possible whilst maintaining the pose. Hold for five to ten slow breaths, and again, swap sides. Eventually, you may be able to discard the strap entirely and hold onto your foot or ankle by yourself.

Don't forget, that you could win a pair of weekend tickets to the Om Yoga Show here!