The Pose

Palisadian-Post Yoga Pose of the Month: Crescent Pose

Ihad fun practicing crescent pose (Anjaneyasana) with Sarah Knauer this month. Knauer is a sales partner at Amalfi Estates, and also a fellow Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce member. This standing lunge is a yoga pose that stretches and strengthens both the upper and lower body, while at the same time creating stability and balance.

Benefits of Crescent Pose:

Builds strength, balance and concentration

Strengthens and stretches the thighs, calves and ankles

Stretches the chest, shoulders and arms

Also stretches the back muscles

Modifications:

Crescent pose should not be practiced if you have high blood pressure, heart problems or a knee injury.

Always work within your own range of limits and abilities, and if you have any medical concerns, talk with your doctor before practicing this or other yoga poses.

If this crescent pose is too difficult, try the low lunge version instead by bringing your back knee to the floor and un-tuck your back toes.

If you are still building upper-body strength or have a shoulder injury, try placing your hands on your hips instead of above your head.

Instructions:

Start in a standing position with your arms alongside your body.

Next bring your right leg forward and gently bend your right knee, keeping your left leg straight behind you.

Make sure that your right knee is in alignment with your left heel.

Once you have your balance in this lunge, take a deep breath in through your nose as you gently raise your arms into the air, with your fingers stretching to the ceiling.

With your spine long and extended and your heart open, gaze straight ahead as you hold this pose for around 30 to 60 seconds before switching sides.

Teresa Anne Power is an internationally recognized children’s yoga expert and best-selling author of the award-winning book “The ABCs of Yoga for Kids.” She has taught yoga to both adults and kids for over 16 years, helping thousands of people develop a healthy attitude toward their body. Power has also appeared on local and national TV and radio talking about the health benefit of yoga for kids, and is a keynote speaker. In addition, she is the founder of Kids’ Yoga Day, an international event to raise global awareness of the benefits of yoga for kids. For more information, go to abcyogaforkids.com and kidsyogaday.com.