Shoulder-Pressing Pose

Bhujapidasana

Shoulder-Pressing Pose is an arm balance where the legs hook over the upper arms and cross at the ankles as the body balances on the hands. It builds arm and core strength and open hips, and leads into Tortoise Pose. Drawing the legs high on the arms makes the balance possible.

Alignment cues

• Hook the thighs high onto the backs of the upper arms
• Cross the ankles in front and press the hands down
• Shift the weight forward and lift the feet off the floor

Benefits

• Builds significant arm and core strength
• Improves balance and body control
• Develops focus for arm balances

Modifications

• Cross the ankles in front rather than lifting fully off the floor
• Place blocks under the hands to shorten the lift