Pose Directory > STANDING

Shoulder-pressing pose

Bhujapidasana

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STEPS

Shoulder-pressing pose is a beginner arm balance. This pose requires strength in the arms and shoulders, though focus and balance are the real keys to success for this pose. To learn the shoulder-pressing pose, it is suggested to practice preparatory poses which include plank and vinyasa transitions to gain strength and momentum.

To enter the pose, begin in a squat with feet shoulders-width apart. Bring the arms underneath the knees.   Place the palms flat on the mat to the outside of each foot. Begin shifting the weight forward onto the hands.   When the upper arms are under the thighs, squeeze them together. Now, rock the hips gently rock back to lift the feet off the ground. To anchor the pose, cross the ankles and lift the sternum. Hold for 5-10 breaths. To exit the pose, uncross the feet and lower them to the mat. Release the arms and return to the start position.

TEACHER QUEUES

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VISUALIZATION COMMENTS

Focus on the transferring of weight from feet to hands, then balance the body on the arms like weights on a scale.

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TECHNICAL COMMENTS

The body should swing between the arms like a pendulum. To find the balance, pick one foot off the mat at a time. Cross ankles and squeeze the legs and arms together. Maintain the gaze on a fixed point ahead.

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BENEFIT COMMENTS
  • Strengthens arm muscles
  • Increases flexibility in shoulder joints and lower back
  • Massages abdomen and internal organs, especially the pancreas
  • Improves balance and concentration
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WATCH OUT FOR
  • Collapsing arms
  • Legs sliding off arms
  • Shoulders up by ears
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CONTRAINDICATIONS
  • Sciatica
  • Slipped disc
  • Weak back
  • Hernia
  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
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MODIFICATIONS
  • Place blocks under hands, hips or both
  • Practice facing a wall, walk feet up the wall and press feet flat against the wall
  • Keep feet on ground
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VARIATIONS
  • Extend one leg in front, the other hooked over the arms
  • Transition from shoulder press to plank or crow
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YOGA COUNTER POSES
  • Front lying savasana
  • Cobra (Bhujangasana)
  • Downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Written By: Brenda Hamlet

Brenda Hamlet is a RYT 200 yoga teacher and journalist. More information about Brenda can be found at https://www.facebook.com/brendahamletyoga

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