Side Cock Pose

Side Cock pose is a more advanced balance pose than Cock pose. Like Cock Pose, Side Cock is a hand balance pose. In requires concentration (focus) and good upper body arm strength. The hands and arms are used to lift one off the floor. Unlike Cock Pose, your center of gravity is shifted to one side increasing the difficulty obtaining and maintaining your balance.

Like Cock Pose, if you are unable to get into Lotus pose or hold Lotus pose more than a few seconds, Side Cock pose may be too challenging. Side Cock pose provides the mental and physical benefits of Cock pose.

English Name: Side Cock

Sanskrit Name: Parsva Kukkutasana

Difficulty Level: 9

Start Position: Seated Lotus

Instructions:

Step 1.

From Lotus pose, twist your body to your right side and place both hands on the floor.

Step 2.

Transfer your weight to your hands and lift your legs hooking your left thigh onto your right tricep (area above elbow).

Step 3.

Lean your body forward and straightening lower arms balancing on your hands.

Step 4.

Hold the pose for 4 or 5 breathes, or as long as it feels comfortable. Unhook your legs and return to seated Lotus. Repeat twisting to your left side if desired.

Physical Benefits:

• Stretches the spine
• Strengthens arms and wrists
• Improves balance and upper body strength
• Increases hip and knee flexibility
• Opens up the hips
• Tones abdominal muscles
• Improves digestion

Mental Benefits

• Improves mental acuity
• Reduces stress

Contraindications:

• Wrist, arm, or shoulder injury
• Low back injury
• Ankle, hip or knee injury
• Leg, arm, or back injury