Arm balances in yoga are considered more yang (pronounced: yon) in nature, they are active poses that require your attention, focus and muscular energy. Yin poses, on the contrary, are more inward and stretch tissues and muscles. In Yin poses we focus on receiving, stretching and breathing. A mix of Yin and Yang are necessary for a body to be in balance. Both types of poses should encompass a complete practice.
Yoga for Strength
Arm balances both build and require core strength, which creates a bit of a chicken and egg scenario. Which comes first? The pose or the building of the strength required for the pose? Consider this: muscles have memory. Each time a new pose is practised, the body remembers and adapts to be able to do the pose. Which means, each time it is practised, a bit of improvement is realized. Once enough strength is built up, the pose is achieved.
Tips for arm balance success:
- Have patience with yourself
- Set a goal to achieve one new pose at a time
- Practice the desired pose often
- Find different ways to get into the pose (one may be easier than another)
- Study someone demonstrating the pose