KakasanaIntermediatestanding

Kakasana

काकासन

Kakasana (Crow Pose) is an arm balance that builds strength in the arms, wrists, and core. It also improves balance and concentration. This pose requires focus and a strong foundation in preparatory poses.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

5

Avoid If

4
  • Wrist injuries
  • High blood pressure
  • Pregnancy
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

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
Looking around the room — keep the gaze fixed

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

6 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
  • 6Fix the gaze on a steady point (drishti) for balance

Pose Details

Pose Type

arm balancebalancecore strengthener

Body Focus

upper bodycorewristsshoulders

Focus Areas

strengthbalancebreathingendurance

Best For

athletesteens

Yoga Styles

hathaiyengarvinyasaashtanga

When to Practice

peak posewarm up

Position

standing

Target Areas

AbsDeltoidsTricepsForearm

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Kakasana (Crow Pose) is an arm balance that builds strength in the arms, wrists, and core. It also improves balance and concentration. This pose requires focus and a strong foundation in preparatory poses.

How to Practice

1

1. Begin in Malasana (Garland Pose), with feet flat on the floor.

2

2. Place your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart, fingers pointing forward.

3

3. Position your knees high up on your upper arms, creating a shelf-like support.

4

4. Lean forward, transferring your weight onto your hands.

5

5. Gradually lift your feet off the floor, engaging your core for balance.

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Kakasana

What is Kakasana?

Kakasana (Crow Pose) is an arm balance that builds strength in the arms, wrists, and core. It also improves balance and concentration. This pose requires focus and a strong foundation in preparatory poses.

What are the benefits of Kakasana?

Strengthens arms, wrists, and shoulders. Engages core muscles. Improves balance and coordination. Increases mental focus. Tones abdominal organs.

Who should avoid Kakasana?

Avoid this pose if you have: Wrist injuries, High blood pressure, Pregnancy, Carpal tunnel syndrome.

How many steps are in Kakasana?

Kakasana is practiced in 10 steps. Begin in Malasana (Garland Pose), with feet flat on the floor.

Is Kakasana suitable for beginners?

Kakasana is an intermediate-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What props are needed for Kakasana?

You may use: block, blanket. Props make the pose more accessible and comfortable.

What poses should I do before Kakasana?

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

Build Your Own Sequence

Combine Kakasana with other poses