Makarasana is a wonderful pose to build strength in the arms, shoulders, and really the entire upper body. Really work on engaging the muscles along the side of your ribcage to build strength for poses that balance on the forearms. ). Step feet approximately 3-4 feet apart, keeping feet parallel to one another, both sets of toes pointing forward. This arm strength dumbbell exercise works the biceps, triceps, and core. A Yoga Sequence to Build Strength for Arm Balances - YouTube Make sure you stretch the front and back of the wrist as well as work the range of motion by circling the wrist. Start by holding the pose for as long as you can, even a few breaths, and work on building strength to hold the pose for longer periods of time. Use a strong exhalation to draw both feet back up into the arm balance—big toes touching and heels actively lifting toward the butt. Start on your hands and knees, keep your arms straight, lean forward and back till you feel a stretch, then make circles. Rest between sets: 75 seconds Lie flat with your back on the bench while holding a dumb-bell in your weaker limb’s hand. Stand facing long edge of mat with hands on your hips. Do this on the front and back of …


Squeeze your thighs together as you bend your knees and lower yourself into a half squat position. Keep your chest lifted and your belly engaged. The key is to keep rooting down actively through your arms, rounding the upper back recruiting the strength of your pectorals, while the energy of the belly and hips rise up. With core engaged and spine elongated, hinge hips, folding torso forward and drawing crown of head toward floor, allowing arms to extend out in opposite directions. Begin by standing up with your feet together, holding a dumbbell in each hand.

In this three-minute tutorial you'll learn two techniques that will help you build strength for arm balances: butterfly push-ups and turbo dog.

They can be practiced on their own or within a sequence (try adding them into your sun salutations!