BhujapidasanaAdvancedseated

Bhujapidasana

भुजपीडासन

Bhujapidasana (Shoulder Pressing Pose) is an arm balance from a squat, where the thighs press into the upper arms.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

4

Avoid If

4
  • Wrist injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Lower back injuries
  • Pregnancy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rounding the lower back — sit on a folded blanket if needed
Forcing the knees down — let gravity work naturally
Collapsing the chest and slouching forward
Tensing the neck and jaw
Rushing into the pose without proper alignment first

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

5 cues
  • 1Sit on the front edge of your sitting bones
  • 2Lengthen the spine upward on each inhalation
  • 3Keep the chest lifted and shoulders relaxed
  • 4Ground down through the sitting bones
  • 5Maintain an elongated spine — avoid rounding the back

Pose Details

Helps With

strength

Pose Type

arm balance

Body Focus

upper bodycore

Focus Areas

strengthbalance

Yoga Styles

ashtangavinyasa

When to Practice

peak pose

Position

seated

Target Areas

DeltoidsAbsForearmAdductorsTriceps

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Bhujapidasana (Shoulder Pressing Pose) is an arm balance from a squat, where the thighs press into the upper arms.

How to Practice

1

1. Start from Utkatasana (Chair) or Malasana (Squat).

2

2. Feet shoulder-width — hands on floor between feet.

3

3. Thread shoulders under the knees/thighs.

4

4. Palms flat on the floor, fingers forward.

5

5. Shift weight to the hands — feet slowly lift off.

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bhujapidasana

What is Bhujapidasana?

Bhujapidasana (Shoulder Pressing Pose) is an arm balance from a squat, where the thighs press into the upper arms.

What are the benefits of Bhujapidasana?

Builds arm and shoulder strength. Core engagement. Hip flexibility with arm balance. Key Ashtanga Primary Series pose.

Who should avoid Bhujapidasana?

Avoid this pose if you have: Wrist injuries, Shoulder injuries, Lower back injuries, Pregnancy.

How many steps are in Bhujapidasana?

Bhujapidasana is practiced in 10 steps. Start from Utkatasana (Chair) or Malasana (Squat).

Is Bhujapidasana suitable for beginners?

Bhujapidasana is an advanced-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What conditions does Bhujapidasana help with?

Bhujapidasana is therapeutic for: strength.

What poses should I do before Bhujapidasana?

Prepare with: Staff Pose, Baddha Konasana, Upavistha Konasana. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

Build Your Own Sequence

Combine Bhujapidasana with other poses