How To Do Eka Pada Koundinyasana II + Modifications & Misalignments

English name: One-Legged Sage Koundinya's Pose 2

Sanskrit name: Eka Pada Koundinyasana 2

Sanskrit pronunciation: AYE-kah PAH-dah Kown-din-YAH-sah-nah

Sanskrit meaning: eka = one, pada = foot, Koundinya = a sage

Type of pose: Arm balance

Level: Advanced

Targets: Upper body

How to do this pose:

1. From one-legged down dog, bring your left knee to your tricep. Grip the mat with your fingertips.
2. Push forward onto the top of your back toes and bend your elbows into Chaturanga arms. Hug your forearms in. Broaden your collarbones and spread your shoulder blades wide.
3. Engage your core and shift your weight forward to lift your back foot. Draw your navel in and up, and knit your front ribs together and down.

Modifications you can try:

1. Rotate your hands slightly outwards..
2. Place a strap above both elbows.
3. Bring your lifted knee onto a block.

Misalignments to be mindful of:

• Elbows splaying outwards.
• Incorrect hand positioning.
• Lack of core or hamstring engagement.
• Lack of engagement in the back foot.