NakrasanaIntermediateprone

Nakrasana

नक्रासन

Nakrasana (Crocodile Walk) is a dynamic Chaturanga where the entire body hops forward and backward without touching the floor.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

4

Avoid If

4
  • Wrist injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Lower back pain
  • Heart conditions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Compressing the lower back by lifting too high too fast
Shrugging the shoulders toward the ears
Clenching the gluteal muscles excessively
Turning the head sharply to one side
Holding the breath during the lift

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

5 cues
  • 1Press the pubic bone gently into the floor
  • 2Engage the legs by pressing the tops of the feet down
  • 3Lengthen the back of the neck — gaze slightly forward
  • 4Draw the shoulder blades toward the spine
  • 5Keep the gluteal muscles firm but not clenched

Pose Details

Helps With

strength

Pose Type

core strengthenerarm balance

Body Focus

upper bodycore

Focus Areas

strengthendurance

Yoga Styles

ashtanga

When to Practice

peak pose

Position

prone

Target Areas

ChestTricepsAbsDeltoidsForearm

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Nakrasana (Crocodile Walk) is a dynamic Chaturanga where the entire body hops forward and backward without touching the floor.

How to Practice

1

1. Come into Chaturanga Dandasana (Low Plank).

2

2. Elbows bent, body hovering a few inches above the floor.

3

3. Core extremely active. Entire body rigid like a plank.

4

4. Inhale.

5

5. Exhale, hop forward with hands and feet simultaneously.

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nakrasana

What is Nakrasana?

Nakrasana (Crocodile Walk) is a dynamic Chaturanga where the entire body hops forward and backward without touching the floor.

What are the benefits of Nakrasana?

Extreme upper body strength. Core endurance. Builds explosive power. Mental determination.

Who should avoid Nakrasana?

Avoid this pose if you have: Wrist injuries, Shoulder injuries, Lower back pain, Heart conditions.

How many steps are in Nakrasana?

Nakrasana is practiced in 10 steps. Come into Chaturanga Dandasana (Low Plank).

Is Nakrasana suitable for beginners?

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

What conditions does Nakrasana help with?

Nakrasana is therapeutic for: strength.

What poses should I do before Nakrasana?

Prepare with: Adho Mukha Virasana (Child's Pose), Bhujangasana. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

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