How to Do the King Dancer Yoga Pose

The King Dancer is a standing pose, meant to challenge and improve the balance, strengthen and tone the legs, and stretch out the shoulders, which are a prime tension spot for stress.The pose should be eased into through the steps outlined below to optimize the benefits of strengthening your body and relaxing your mind. Start with the first step and stop wherever you feel comfortable, although, with practice and pacing, even a beginner should be able to eventually reach the most advanced step of the King Dancer pose, improving both balance and flexibility in the process.

Instructions

• 1

  Stand in Tadasana, with feet slightly apart, back straight, and neck aligned.

• 2

  Shift the weight onto the right leg, and lift the left shin, bending the knee completely.

• 3

  Grab ahold of the left foot with your left hand.

• 4

  Begin to lift and arc the knee, pulling your foot up into a smooth curve. Make a circle from the joint of your arm, to the bend of your knee, to the bend of your elbow.

• 5

  Extend your right hand directly out in front of you and hold the pose. Be sure to elongate your torso and focus on balance and maintaining form.

• 6

  Repeat with the right side.