Kakasana

Crow Pose

This entry uses Crow to mean the bent-arm balance with knees resting on the upper arms; Kakasana is a commonly used Sanskrit name.

Type: Balance & Core
Focus: Balance
Demanding · 7/10

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How to do this pose

  1. From a supported squat, place palms shoulder-width apart and bend elbows slightly.
  2. Set the knees against the upper arms and shift forward a little while keeping toes grounded.
  3. Practise lifting one foot only if steady, then return the toes down; learn both-feet balance with a teacher.

Before you begin

Avoid painful wrists or shoulders and do not practise where a fall could cause injury.

What you should feel

Work through the hands, arms and abdomen.

Benefits

Develops shoulder support and forward weight-shift control.

Common mistakes

Jumping onto the arms or dropping the head toward the floor.

Modifications

Keep toes down and practise small shifts with a teacher.

Prep Poses

Knee-supported Plank; supported squat

Follow-Up Poses

Child’s Pose; wrist rest

Related Content

Keep toes down and practise small shifts with a teacher.