How To Do Flying Pigeon Pose + Modifcations & Misalignments

Yoga instructor showing how to do Flying Pigeon Pose - Eka Pada Galavasana with cues.

English name: Flying pigeon

Sanskrit name: Eka Pada Galavasana

Sanskrit pronunciation: ek-ah PAH-dah GAH-la-VAH-sah-nah

Type of pose: Arm balance

Level: Advanced

Targets: Upper body

Yoga teacher demonstrating Flying Pigeon Pose - Eka Pada Galavasana.
Jenn Russell thetravellingyogi.com

How to do this pose:

  1. From standing, lift one leg and cross the ankle over the standing leg knee in a figure four. Keep lifted foot flexed. Grip the mat with your fingertips. Hug your forearms in.
  2. Bend your standing knee to place hands onto the mat directly beneath shoulders. Spread your fingers wide with middle fingers pointing forward. Broaden your collarbones and spread your shoulder blades wide.
  3. Press lifted shin high onto triceps with the lifted foot wrapped around the outer arm. Gaze to the mat beyond fingertips. Draw your navel in and up.
  4. Rise onto the ball of the back foot. Engage the core. Bend your arms and shift forward. Push energetically through the back foot and lift the back leg to the sky. Point your back toes.

Modifications you can try:

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

Misalignments to be mindful of:

  • Incorrect hand positioning.
  • Elbows splay outwards.
  • Lack of core and hamstring engagement.
  • Lack of engagement in the back foot.
How To Do Flying Pigeon Pose + Modifcations & Misalignments
How To Do Flying Pigeon Pose + Modifcations & Misalignments
Heather Jacoby
Heather Jacoby

Heather is a Certified Yoga Teacher the visionary behind The Yogatique, her passion project. She created The Yogatique to help yogis & other growth-oriented individuals discover premium high quality trainings and classes in the yoga & wellness space. Heather is a RYT-200 and a practicing yogi of more than 15 years. She is also a global citizen who has been living abroad for 10 years. Her passions include health & fitness, studying healthspan & longevity, exploring the road less traveled, & SEO. Heather can be reached at heatherj@theyogatique.com, or you can connect with Heather on LinkedIn.

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