Half Moon Pose Ardha Chandrasana
A balance on one leg with the other lifted level with the hip, one hand on the floor and the body opened to the side; the standing hip holds the pelvis steady.
How to do it
Setup
From a wide stance, one hand on the floor or a block a little ahead of the front foot, front knee soft.
Steps
- Shift the weight onto the front leg and lift the back leg to hip height.
- Straighten the standing leg and open the chest and the top arm to the ceiling.
- Hold and breathe, then lower the leg and switch sides.
Common mistakes
Lifted leg drifting forward: keep it in line with the body, toes pointing sideways. Standing knee jammed back: straight but not locked. Hand far out in front of the foot: set it under the shoulder, on a block if the floor is far.
Breathing
Slow and even through the hold.
