In our beginner yoga pose series, Michael Taylor from Strala Yoga in New York City, demonstrates and gives us the scoop on a Forearm Stand.

How-to: From your hands and knees, lower your forearms to the ground, elbows right under your shoulders, hands straight forward from your elbows. Tuck your toes and lift your hips up high. With your hip slightly open, lift one leg high in the air, rolling your weight forward off your grounded foot. Bring both legs together straight up in the air, gently squeezing your knees and ankles together.

Tips: Your grounded foot will lift easily off the ground when your lifted leg is reaching high enough and your weight is shifted forward enough over your elbows. Be patient and work on a good foundation, there is no need to jump into this pose

Benefits: Builds arm and shoulder strength. Opens the hips and thighs. Builds balance and patience.  Good for circulation.
 
How-to Video:









Michael Taylor is a yoga guide at Strala Yoga in New York City. (Michael prefers "guide" to "instructor"). He's practiced Eastern movement and healing techniques for more than two decades. He holds a degree in mind-body medicine from Harvard, and studied alternative medicine and psychology at Oxford. Mike is also the CEO of social media company Odyl, climbs a few mountains in his spare time, and is the husband of yoga master Tara Stiles.

Tags: michael taylor, yoga, yoga poses