Eka Pada Rajakapotasana prep Begin in table position. Bring one knee forward and extend back leg out, activate back leg. Extend up. Bow forward. Switch sides. Benefits Opens the hips. Stretches the legs. Opens the heart. What it looks like Someone crawling on the ground, a seal, a pigeon, ice skating.
Padmasana Seated, lift each foot and cross onto each thigh. Try both sides. Benefits Helps with relaxation and calms the mind. Opens the hips. What it looks like Lotus, any flower, a fairy, a meditating Genie.
Bekasana Begin in table position. Spread knees out toward edges of mat and bring heels together. Bow forward onto stomach and elbows. Press feet into each other and extend out through the knees. Variation: Lower legs are perpendicular to upper legs and feet out. Benefits Abdominal organs are toned. Stretches the hips and thighs. What it looks like A frog, a diamond, a minnow, a swimmer under the deep sea.
Garudasana Begin standing in mountain pose, tadasana. Entwine left leg over the right leg. Extend left arm out, then cross right arm over it. Bend the elbows and entwine the two together and bring hands together. Release and fly out like an eagle. Reverse sides. Benefits Strengthens ankles. Stretches the shoulders. Removes cramps in calves. What it looks like A bird flying, twisted noodles.
