Forearm Stand with Legs in Bound Angle

Let's do Forearm Stand with Legs in Bound Angle (Pincha Mayurasana with Legs in Baddha Konasana). It is always fun when students want to dive into more advanced postures/asana. While it is important to stretch the body out and build up the strength to do intermediate/advanced poses, the positive outlook to face a challenging asana is always a brave start.

With forearm stand, students want to be sure to have warmed up the body. It is good to stretch toward the wall, extending the hands, and forearms to rest on the wall which will stretch out the back, hamstrings and triceps. So Imagine that you are facing the wall, lean towards it and face the floor so your body is in an L shape.

To begin the pose:

1. Inhale, Face the wall and bring forearms to the flat to the floor. Exhale.
   
2. Inhale, Bring legs into Downward Dog, keeping the arms bent with forearms perpendicular to upper arms.
3. Walk feet closer to hands.
4. Inhale, Bend one knee and kick the other leg up. Exhale.
   
5. With a steady downward gaze on the floor, find your balance and bring both feet up in the air, use the wall to assist. Breathe.
   
6. Keep the head up off the floor. Keep chest open to lift the ribs. Keep elbows in line with shoulders, careful not to splay.
   
7. Finally, to be fancy, bring the soles of the feet together in Baddha Konasana/Bound Angle. Smile.
   
8. To come out of the pose, release one foot at a time to the floor and rest in childs pose. Breathe.
   

Remember while doing the more challenging poses/asana it is important to breathe. Yoga is about connecting your mind, body and spirit with the breath. It is important to breathe and relax into each pose. Forearm stand is a strong pose and Bound Angle has many benefits for urinary and menstrual issues. It is best to be honest with yourselves about your own body's current abilities and work up to advanced asana. ~Peace & hugs, Ambria