Pendant

lolāsanaलोलासन
Pendant
M

Maya - Pose Assistant

Ask me anything about Pendant

Benefits

Pendant Pose (Lolasana) is an intermediate arm balance focused on building core, arm, and wrist strength. It involves lifting the body with legs drawn in tightly off the floor from a seated or kneeling position, enhancing stability and concentration.

Practice Guide

1

Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position (Sukhasana or similar). Some find kneeling easier.

2

Place hands firmly on floor (or blocks) alongside hips, fingers pointing forward.

3

Press strongly into hands. Engage core intensely, drawing navel towards spine and up (Uddiyana Bandha).

4

Round upper back slightly. Lean forward slightly and push down powerfully to lift hips and tucked legs completely off the floor.

5

Keep legs drawn in tightly towards torso. Lift as high as possible.

6

Hold briefly, breathing. Gently lower back down.

7

Release arms and rest.

Modifications

Use yoga blocks under hands for more lift

Practice lifting one knee/foot at a time to build strength

Focus intensely on core engagement (bandhas) and the downward press, even without full lift

Cross ankles for a more compact shape

Safety Notes

Acute wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries

Recent abdominal surgery or hernia

Pregnancy

Carpal tunnel syndrome (use caution or blocks)

Anatomy

Muscles Targeted

Core (rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis)
Arms (triceps, biceps, deltoids)
Wrists
Hip flexors (psoas, iliacus)
Pectoralis muscles
Serratus anterior

Muscles Stretched

Upper back (mildly, due to rounding)
Wrists (extension)

What's Next?

Maya suggests trying these poses:

Focus Areas

Core Intensive LiftArm Balance PrepUpper Body StrengthWrist StrengthCore Strength DeepHip Flexor StrengthConcentrationVinyasa Transition Prep

Yoga Styles

Signature of
Also practiced in
VinyasaAdvancedPower
AshtangaTraditional transition pose in primary series, precise form with bandhas
VinyasaUsed in flowing sequences and jump-through transitions
AdvancedCore-intensive arm balance requiring exceptional strength
PowerStrength-building pose for core and upper body conditioning

Sequencing

Maya's Tips

These insights help Maya understand how this pose flows with others when creating sequences and classes.

Core Intensive Lifting Arm BalanceExcellent Preparation For Other Arm Balances Requiring Lifting The Body And For Transitions Like Jump ThroughsRequires Powerful Core Compression And Upper Body Pressing PowerCan Be Incorporated Into Vinyasa Sequences Between Seated Poses