Yoga Flying Crow pose

The Yoga Flying crow pose is an acrobatic pose and should be attempted by those who want to pursue a career in gymnastics or acrobatics. Those who do yoga for keeping fit, can skip this asana (pose). This pose, which is also called the Galavasana, helps in giving comprehensive exercise to all parts of your body and it comprises steps that involve balancing, twisting, jumping, stretching. Apart from nourishing virtually all parts of your body, this pose also helps you to improve your ability to balance yourself in precarious positions.

Stand on the center of a yoga mat. Lift one leg (say your right leg) by bending it from the knee. Hold the upraised right foot with your hands and help to lift it up to the level of your waist. Make the foot horizontal by holding it sideways with your foot sole resting against your lower abdomen.

After you stabilize yourself in this position, you may let the knee of your upraised right foot drop down slightly as you turn your right foot sole to face upwards. Continue holding your right foot with your left hand. Bend down forward and lower your chest to your hips, as you rest your hands on the mat in front of you.

Bend your left leg from the knee and rest your torso on your left thigh. Now your right foot is under your left armpit, and the knee of your right leg is under your right armpit. The knee of your left leg is under your chest. After placing your right knee and your right foot under your armpits, rise up and lift your hips till you are on all fours.

Now comes the more difficult part. Shift your weight forward to your hands. Your palms rest on the floor. Use your arms as the lever as you lift your left foot off the floor and balance yourself only on your palms. Kick your left leg upwards up to a forty five degree angle.

As your leg moves up, slant your torso and lower your face slightly to the floor. Your outstretched left leg, and your back are aligned in a straight line. Hold on to this position for between three to five breaths and then in one momentum, release the right leg from under your left armpit and straighten it as you lower both your legs simultaneously to the floor.

After you do these steps successfully, you have executed the acrobatic flying crow pose.

Sources:

How to Galavasana ( Flying Crow Pose)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZbjuQCwaY

Yoga Poses: Flying Crow Pose

http://yoga.families.com/blog/yoga-poses-flying-crow-pose

Flying Crow Pose - Yoga Journal Photo

http://community.yogajournal.com/_Flying-Crow-Pose/photo/1764255/25925.html

How to do a yoga flying crow pose arm balance

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-do-yoga-flying-crow-pose-arm-balance-322792/