Page 114 - Demo

114 || FITNESS MAGAZINE || JULY 2015www.crystalmilana.netBy Yoga Instructor Crystal MilanaPhoto Credit: Anat Dubinince the very beginning of my personal yoga practice, crow pose, also called bakasana, has been one of my favorite poses to take. In the physical practice, this pose allows you to focus mainly on core activation, and can be taken to further variations the more you tap in to the untapped areas of your abdominal lock. Yet just like any other yoga pose from head to toes your body should be active and aware. As you see in the final step, I bring my toes to touch, and doing this lets me focus on the weight of my legs, allowing me to stay in the posture longer. The longer you stay, the more you activate your fingers to find balance. ALL OF YOU IS WORKING!Beyond the physical practice there is the mind connection that you tap into. Crow pose is one of many postures you can take to resemble lifting off of the earth and taking flight. If you imagine the freedom any bird has whether in a crow or a strong eagle, and you bring that same picture into your mind, you start to let go of the things binding you to the earth. When you free your mind and take flight beyond where the world is stuck, things are much easier.1. The easiest way to move into the posture is from a forward fold. Placing your hands in front of your feet shoulder width apart, you set your foundation. 2. The next step is bending at your elbows taking your knees up to your triceps. Once you get to this point, you will start to lift onto your toes which will bring weight into your fingertips. 3. From here, lift one foot off the ground and then slowly follow with the other. 4. When both of your feet are lifted, you have the option to leave your arms bent or bring a greater challenge to your core by straightening your arms. Throughout these steps, remember to breathe, set your vision between your thumbs, and have fun! By: Sid McNairy IV