Upward Cock Pose

Although Upward Cock pose has the same difficulty level as Side Cock, you may find it easier to get into and maintain Upward Cock.

Like Cock and Side Cock poses, if you are unable to get into Lotus pose or hold Lotus pose more than a few seconds, Upward Cock pose may be too challenging for you.

Upward Cock pose provides the mental and physical benefits of Cock and Side Cock poses.

English Name: Upward Cock

Sanskrit Name: Urdhva Kukkutasana

Difficulty Level: 9

Start Position: Seated Lotus

Instructions:

Step 1.

From Lotus pose, bring your knees towards your chest and place both hands on the floor in front of you.

Step 2.

Bend your arms and place your skins into your triceps (upper arm muscles).

Step 3.

Lean your body forward and straighten your arms balancing on your hands.

Step 4.

Hold the pose for 4 or 5 breathes, or as long as it feels comfortable. Slowly lower  your legs to the floor and return to seated Lotus. Repeat 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