Pose 2 (Intermediate): Eight-Angle Pose — Astavakrasana
"This intense arm balance requires mostly core, wrist, and arm strength. You will often see it practiced as a follow-up to seated hip openers and hamstring stretches. Begin seated with the left leg straight in front of you, and cradle the right leg in both arms (foot to the left inner elbow and knee to the right inner elbow), this will gently open up the hip. If you have tight hips, this may be plenty for you! If you want to move on, however, bring the right knee over the right shoulder, place the right hand firmly into the mat next to your right hip, grasp the right foot with the left hand, and extend the leg straight by pushing out with the heel. Next, release the right knee on top of the right shoulder (this will require a certain amount of flexibility; don’t worry if you aren’t quite there), and press the left hand firmly into the mat next to your left hip. With both hands grounding down (pushing down into each hand equally), engage the core and lift the buttocks. If you are stable here, cross the ankles and swing both legs out to the left. Pressing down into the hands, and up through the core, squeeze the legs together and come to the bottom of a pushup by bending the elbows (coming about halfway down)."

Photographed by Justin Namon