Balance strength with patience

Improve your concentration and balance by practicing this traditional yoga pose. It requires quite a bit of strength as well as patience, so don’t get frustrated when you first perform it. It is important that you create a stable foundation with your feet, legs and hips -- so if you cannot reach the floor, place a yoga block under your hands for support. The block will help you feel steady and confident.

-- Karen Voight

1 Begin balancing on one leg by bending forward and placing your fingertips on the floor or on yoga blocks. Raise your right leg behind you, keeping it perpendicular to your standing leg so your toes, knee and front thigh are facing the floor. Make sure your hips are level. Focus on elongating your spine by reaching out through the crown of your head and pressing back with your right heel.

2 Leave your right hand on the floor or block and slowly begin to revolve your upper spine to the left. Continue reaching back with your right heel as you turn your chest toward the left, remembering to keep your hips parallel to the floor. Hold for three breaths and repeat on the opposite side.

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Reach Karen Voight at kvoightla@aol.com.