Half Moon or (Ardha Chandrasana) is a challenging balance pose that, when done correctly, strengthens your legs, hips, glutes, back, core, neck, and arms. It is truly a total body workout. At the same time, it stretches your hips and opens up the chest.
1. Turn foot out. Put weight on the ball and heel of the foot. Lift the arch.
2. Standing tall and strong, keep a bit of softness (slight bend) in your knee.
3. Engage your core.
4. Stack hips. Use a wall to help with feedback and support if desired.
5. Lengthen through spine and lift the leg parallel with your hips
6. Keep shoulders away from ears.
7. Extend arms with lots of energy. Use a block or chair for support and proper alignment when necessary.
8. Breathe.
You should always consult with your physician before engaging in any physical activity program. By participating in this online exercise class, you assume all dangers, hazards, and risks of such participation. The exercises demonstrated by the instructors in this online class are physically demanding. If you are unable to safely perform these exercises, please modify them for your own safety or choose a different set of exercises.
Shannon, awesome demonstration as always and I’ve tried the “half moon”. Of course, it looks so much easier when you do it than I do…or try to do!! 🙂
Olivia
Thanks, Olivia. It’s about the journey, not the destination. 🙂
Half-moon is not an easy pose. If you haven’t done so, try it against the wall. Also, try it using a block or prob. That will really help with your alignment.