Half Moon Pose

A standing side balance on one leg and one hand, with the top leg lifted to hip height and the chest turned open towards the ceiling.

How to do it

1. From a wide standing stance, bend the front knee and place the bottom hand on the floor or a block ahead of the front foot.
2. Shift the weight forward and lift the back leg until it is parallel to the floor.
3. Straighten the standing leg and stack the top hip over the bottom one, reaching the top arm to the ceiling.
4. Hold the balance for the prescribed time with the lifted foot flexed.
5. Lower the back foot down and repeat on the other side.

Tips

• Use a block under the bottom hand; reaching the floor is not the point of the pose.
• Press the lifted heel towards the wall behind you to keep the leg switched on.
• Look at the floor instead of up if the balance keeps breaking.

Muscles

Primary: Glutes (medius), Obliques

Secondary: Erector spinae, Quadriceps