A 20-minute Iyengar Yoga practice focused on the building blocks of Eka Pada Koundinyasana I. Through a step-by-step approach, you'll explore modifications, preparatory actions, and key techniques that make this challenging arm balance more accessible while developing the strength and stamina required for the classical pose.

Continue your practice inside Po Online where we build on these foundations with structured classes, progressions, and deeper study.

About This Practice

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I is often viewed as an advanced pose, but like many challenging asanas, it can be understood through its component parts. In this class, we break the pose down into manageable pieces and explore different presentations that help reveal the underlying actions.

Rather than focusing solely on achieving the final shape, the emphasis is on understanding the process. By working progressively, you can develop the strength, coordination, and confidence needed to approach the pose with greater clarity.

This is a practical exploration of how modifications and preparation can make a demanding pose more accessible without losing its essential qualities.

What You'll Practice

• Preparatory actions for Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

• Modifications that make the pose more accessible

• Building strength and stamina for arm balances

• Developing coordination between the upper and lower body

• Exploring progressive steps toward the classical pose

When to Use This Practice

• When learning Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

• To develop strength for arm balances

• When exploring modifications for advanced poses

• As a focused skills-based practice

Who This Is For

• Students working toward Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

• Practitioners interested in arm balances

• Anyone wanting to better understand pose progression

• Experienced students developing strength and stamina

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be able to do the full pose to benefit from this practice?

No. The practice focuses on the building blocks of the pose, making it valuable whether you are working toward the full expression or refining specific components.

Why use modifications for an advanced pose?

Modifications help reveal the essential actions of the pose. They allow students to develop understanding and strength progressively rather than relying on force or momentum.

What makes Eka Pada Koundinyasana I challenging?

The pose requires a combination of strength, coordination, balance, and stamina. Understanding how these elements work together is often more important than achieving the final shape.

How long does it take to develop this pose?

The timeline varies from student to student. In my experience, consistent practice and attention to the foundational actions are more important than rushing toward the end result.

Is this practice suitable for beginners?

Students with some familiarity with foundational yoga poses may find this practice accessible, particularly through the modifications offered. The sequence is designed to meet students at different stages of development.

What style of yoga is this?

This class is taught in the Iyengar Yoga method, which emphasizes precision, sequencing, progressive learning, and adapting poses to support understanding.

Continue Your Practice

If you enjoyed this class, you can continue your practice across the Studio Po ecosystem:

• Practice in-person at Studio Po Toronto

• Explore full-length classes inside Po Online

• Read reflections and insights on Stephanie's Blog