Crescent
Maya - Pose Assistant
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Benefits
Crescent Lunge is a standing pose that strengthens the legs, glutes, and core, while stretching the hip flexors and groins of the back leg. It improves balance, concentration, opens the chest/shoulders (with arms lifted), and builds stamina.
Practice Guide
From Downward-Facing Dog, step your right foot forward between your hands.
Ensure right knee is stacked over right ankle. Stay on the ball of your back (left) foot, heel lifted high.
Engage core, inhale, sweep arms overhead alongside ears, palms facing each other or shoulder-width apart.
Sink hips lower into the lunge, feeling stretch in left hip flexor. Keep back leg straight and active.
Relax shoulders down from ears. Lift chest. Option to add slight upper backbend.
Gaze forward or slightly up. Hold, breathe. Exit: Exhale, lower hands to floor, step back to Downward Dog. Repeat left.
Modifications
Lower back knee gently to floor (becomes Low Lunge/Anjaneyasana).
Bring hands to hips or heart center for easier balance.
Shorten the stance between feet.
Use blocks under hands if folding forward in transitions or variations.
Safety Notes
⚠High blood pressure (if arms overhead causes strain, keep hands lower)
⚠Knee injury (ensure front knee alignment, be mindful of back knee strain)
⚠Significant balance issues (use wall support or keep hands lower)
Anatomy
Muscles Targeted
Muscles Stretched
What's Next?
Maya suggests trying these poses:
Focus Areas
Yoga Styles
Sequencing
Counter Poses
✨ Maya's Tips
These insights help Maya understand how this pose flows with others when creating sequences and classes.