Astavakrasana (Eight-Angle Pose)

This pose is a lot earlier than you think. Simple activating the right muscles can get you in this pose and your engagement of all the muscles will help keep you there. Make sure you warm your body with some stretches and maybe some surya namaskars (sun salutations) before you attempt this pose.

Instructions:

1. From a seated pose, plant your left hand down. Make sure both legs are to the right of the left arm.
2. Now plant your right hand down between the legs. Both shoulders should be above the wrists. Use the picture above for reference.
3. The right knee should be over or squeeze into the right shoulder. Let the right shoulder squeeze back (engage).
4. Press into both hands as you squeeze the thighs towards each other and begin to tile forward.
5. Activate mula bandha and lift. Press the ground away from you.
6. Voila, switch sides

Recently, I attempted this on a SUP board. It was fun but difficult.

~ Namaste Yogi’s