Crescent Lunge Pose | Anjaneyasana

CRESCENT LUNGE POSE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start in standing forward bend and, as you inhale, step your right leg straight back.
2. Lift your torso and sweep your arms out to the sides and overhead.
3. Stay in crescent lunge pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Exhale, place your hands on the floor, step your left leg back, beside the right, and walk your hands back to standing forward bend.
5. Repeat with the opposite leg.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

Straighten your right leg, relax the hips and keep the front knee directly over the ankle. Lift your chest, elongate the spine and neck, look up, and keep your arms perpendicular to the floor.

ANJANEYASANA BENEFITS

The crescent lunge pose stretches the groin area, opens the hips, strengthens the legs and arms, and lengthens the spine. This pose also helps to improve your balance and coordination, and builds mental focus.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Neck, knee, hip or back injury.

PREPARATORY, COMPLEMENTARY AND FOLLOW-UP POSES

Start with low lunge pose or standing forward bend pose and then progress to crescent lunge pose. Follow-up with warrior I or warrior III poses.

RELATED YOGA POSES

Try these other yoga poses to relax and relieve stress and tension:
Extended triangle pose
Seated mountain pose
Seated spinal twist pose
Pigeon pose

YOGA ESSENTIAL FLOWS