Eka Pada Actions: Culminating the Leap towards Hanumanasana
Eka pada (lit. one-leg)actions teach us to observe and balance two perspective - seemingly opposites of each other. In this session we explore the front and back legs scissoring away from each other as it plays out in back arches.
Duration: 85 mins.
Level: Intermediate
Props needed: a stack of firm blankets or a bolster, a couple of blocks, two sturdy chairs, access to a wall
This recording is part of the Short Course Eka Pada Actions – The Leap Towards Hanumanasana (Level: Intermediate).
Tag words: back thighs eka pada sirsasana eka pada viparita dandasana front thighs hamstrings hanumanasana hips quadriceps splits
Combining extension at the hip (in other words, one of the legs of the eka pada action), with spine extension (in other words, back arching) is a relatively complex combination that ultimately leads to leg splits (hanumanasana). But you do not have to reach hanumanasana to appreciate the delicate beauty of the adjustments required in these actions, and the wealth of good they can do to the hip, and the back.
Note:
This final session of this Short Course calls for flexibility as well as strength in the thighs – especially in the back thighs (hamstrings). Those with hamstring tightness are advised to proceed with caution so as not to cause any injuries in the muscles and connective tissues of the back thighs, or the knees