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Eka Pada Koundinyasana IAdvancedstanding

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

एक पाद कौण्डिन्यासन I

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is a twisted arm balance where one leg rests on the opposite arm while the other extends back.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

4

Avoid If

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Locking the knees — keep a micro-bend or engage the quadriceps
Collapsing the arches of the feet — distribute weight evenly
Holding the breath or breathing shallowly
Hunching the shoulders toward the ears
Leaning weight to one side — keep both feet equally grounded

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

5 cues
  • 1Ground firmly through all four corners of both feet
  • 2Engage the quadriceps by lifting the kneecaps
  • 3Lengthen the spine from the tailbone to the crown of the head
  • 4Draw the shoulder blades down and back
  • 5Maintain steady, even breathing throughout

Pose Details

Helps With

strength

Pose Type

arm balancetwist

Body Focus

upper bodycore

Focus Areas

strengthbalance

Yoga Styles

ashtangavinyasapower

When to Practice

peak pose

Position

standing

Target Areas

AbsDeltoidsForearmObliquesAdductors

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is a twisted arm balance where one leg rests on the opposite arm while the other extends back.

How to Practice

1

1. Start from Chaturanga or Parsvakonasana.

2

2. Bend right leg, place right knee on left upper arm (twisted).

3

3. Palms under shoulders.

4

4. Shift weight onto hands.

5

5. Lift left leg off the floor — extend straight back.

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

What is Eka Pada Koundinyasana I?

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is a twisted arm balance where one leg rests on the opposite arm while the other extends back.

What are the benefits of Eka Pada Koundinyasana I?

Advanced arm balance mastery. Core and oblique strength. Twist in arm balance. Builds towards flying splits.

Who should avoid Eka Pada Koundinyasana I?

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

How many steps are in Eka Pada Koundinyasana I?

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is practiced in 10 steps. Start from Chaturanga or Parsvakonasana.

Is Eka Pada Koundinyasana I suitable for beginners?

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is an advanced-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What conditions does Eka Pada Koundinyasana I help with?

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is therapeutic for: strength.

What poses should I do before Eka Pada Koundinyasana I?

Prepare with: Tadasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Standing Forward Bend, Warrior I. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

Build Your Own Sequence

Combine Eka Pada Koundinyasana I with other poses