Can You Do Eka Pada Galavasana? Try This Simple Guide!

Last performance could be advanced yoga poses, still, other yoga fans, at times, find it tough. If this is you, the state where your practice is not moving forward fast can make you dissatisfied. 

Eka Pada Galavasana, or Flying Pigeon Pose, is one of the most difficult postures in yoga and it seems very hard to get any closer. 

Yet, with the guidance of a teacher and your regular practice, surely you may learn this amazing asana. 

Here is discussed how to prepare, perform, and take advantage of the Flying Pigeon Pose safely.

What is Eka Pada Galavasana (Flying Pigeon Pose)?

Eka Pada Galavasana is an arm balance yoga position that is advanced. Stretching the body, strengthening the body, and keeping it balanced are the three aspects. 

The name was wrought from how the state of the leg from the back looks like a modest wild bird. The practitioner needs to be conscious of his body’s weight and work with it in balance.

How to Prepare for Eka Pada Galavasana (Flying Pigeon Pose)?

1. Build Core Strength

While the standing forward fold with the chest opened is your goal, strong abdominal muscles are prerequisites for it.

2. Improve Arm Strength

Elbows which are pulled in and locked in the position of the chest play a significant role, as do the legs which are fixed horizontally to the floor.

3. Enhance Hip Flexibility

Using hip flexibility for properly placing legs makes it possible for the lower body to twist, which protects the lower back in the process.

Can Advanced Pigeon Pose Improve Your Flexibility and Strength?

4. Practice Balance

Experiencing a few seconds of hovering in the air on one foot is a fun beginning.

5. Develop Concentration

Mental strength and self-awareness are the main tools to use in such a meditation.

Warm-Up Exercises for Eka Pada Galavasana (Flying Pigeon Pose)?

How to Perform Eka Pada Galavasana?

A guide to flying pigeon pose

1. Starting Position

Open your chest and fold sideways.

2. Leg Placement

Put the leg of one side high on the far arm.

3. Arm Balance

Shift your body weight from your feet to your shoulders and hands, then lift your back foot. This requires balancing with your hands as you align your waist.

4. Final Pose

Holding your leg straight while balancing on your hands is the final.

Here’s a video that explains this yoga pose in more detail.

Benefits of Eka Pada Galavasana

Strengthens core & Increases balance stability

  • Promotes stronger arms and hence core.
  • More hip flexibility.
  • Wakes up and maintains the flow of energy.
  • Twisted and together mind-body strengthening.

Beginners Tips

  • Use a wall for support.
  • Perform asanas devotedly.
  • Especially for those who are newcomers, patience is mandatory.

Variation and Modifications

1. One-Legged Pigeon Pose

It is an easy version apart from the way that you stay on the ground. It may also assist with this.

2. Supported Flying Pigeon

When learning the pose, use blocks under your hands as a form of support. With this, the balancing will become easier.

3. Wall-Assisted Flying Pigeon

Try practicing near a wall to help you keep your balance. In addition, a wall may provide protection and give you the confidence to start with.

4. Flying Pigeon with Bent Leg

Initially, try not to stretch the back leg. This will make holding yoga poses easier and will help to melt tension in tight places.

Expert Tips

  • Breathe deeply and evenly.
  • Focus on a center point.
  • Activate your core muscles.
  • Practice regularly.

Safety Precautions

  • Warm up properly
  • Listening to your body
  • Use props if needed
  • Get the opinion from a qualified instructor

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Rushing into the pose.
  • Neglecting proper alignment.
  • Forgetting breathing.
  • Pushing harder even when you are close to your limit.

Very Fit Life Final Words

Eka Pada Galavasana is a very uneasy pose which requires that you have the virtue of patience and so you have to brush up on it if you are to be a master at it. 

All in all, it carries a long list of advantages for both the body and the mind. Therefore, before you start the pose at all, walk through the steps slowly and carefully. 

Nevertheless, it would be gratifying when the day comes and you can consistently practice the pose because it gives you the flexibility of both the body and the mind.

FAQs

How long does it take to master Eka Pada Galavasana?

Each person is unique, so the pace at which they catch up varies. One’s past fitness and the addressed terrifying issue plays a role in the answer to the question. 

The right action for those who have no experience is to work with yoga instructors certified in the proper postures. In this approach, one will get to their target duration specific to their fitness.

Can beginners try this pose?

As a general point, beginners should choose corresponding categories of yoga practice; these should be modified appropriately to match their skill level. 

Once a person has mastered the fundamental techniques, they continue to explore others, creating a qualification for yoga teachers. The beginner should undertake milder poses and gradually progress.

How often should I practice this pose?

Daily stretching of the arms, neck, and shoulders is good. Practice 2-3 times a week, and allow time for rest and recovery. 

Another benefit is it enhances the blood circulation in the body, thus reducing the chances of probable injury.

Are there any health conditions that prevent doing this pose?

Consult a doctor for those people who have wrist, shoulder, or back issues. The health field is filled with thousands of people who have successfully crossed the obstacles of safe information flow. 

The fourth one is caused by strengthening the supporting tissues, which are capable of altering the normal biomechanics of your wrist. And others have made a fortune.

Sources:

Heagberg, K. (2015, December 10). Eka pada galavasana (Flying pigeon) Step-by-Step.

Crandell, J. (2024, May 28). Essential sequence: Pigeon + Chaturanga = eka pada Galavasana. Jason Crandell Yoga Method.

Prosper, M. B., & Prosper, M. B. (2021, December 9). Prepare for takeoff! How to build up to flying pigeon pose. Yoga Journal.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. For the full disclaimer, please visit our Disclaimer Page.
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Andrea Cintulova is a passionate yoga teacher and has a deep love for movement and mindfulness. She came from a background in modern gymnastics and dance, and yoga was something she discovered in her university years and never stopped. Hatha was her starting point and then she moved on to Ashtanga, Acro, Bikram and Vinyasa, which were her favorites because they were fluid and creative. Andrea is a certified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher and has taught Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga classes in Europe, corporate yoga in Vienna, rooftop sessions and international workshops.

Elyce Elowen is a certified yoga therapist and instructor (C-IAYT, 500-hour RYT) with nearly a decade of experience helping individuals achieve balance and well-being. She collaborates with medical experts to design programs for mental wellness, chronic pain, and stress management, and provides mindfulness training for communities and organizations. Beyond yoga, Elyce has a passion for creativity and personal growth. She’s a freelance writer, sharing insights on yoga, mindfulness, and self-improvement, and previously worked as an art instructor and community organizer, empowering others through education and self-expression. In her downtime, Elyce enjoys hiking, reading, and creating art, always inspired by her belief that true strength comes from presence and growth.

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