Yoga Poses How to Do Eight Angle Pose (Astavakrasana) in Yoga Proper Form, Variations, and Common Mistakes By Ann Pizer, RYT Ann Pizer, RYT LinkedIn Twitter Ann Pizer is a writer and registered yoga instructor who teaches vinyasa/flow and prenatal yoga classes. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 10, 2020 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sara Clark Reviewed by Sara Clark Facebook Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. Learn about our Review Board Print verywell / Ben Goldstein Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Benefits Step-by-Step Instructions Common Mistakes Modifications and Variations Safety and Precautions Try It Out verywell / Ben Goldstein Targets: Balance, arm strength, hamstring stretch Level: Advanced When you look at Eight Angle Pose (Astavakrasana) it's hard to tell how to get there. While it is an advanced posture requiring core strength, flexibility, and balance, when you break it down step by step it starts to enter the realm of the possible. If you can do Side Crow (Parsva Bakasana) and Elephant's Trunk Pose (Eka Hasta Bhujasana), you've got the building blocks. If not, keep working on your arm balances and abdominal strength. This pose will still be here when you are ready. Benefits This pose strengthens the arms and abdominal muscles, improves core strength and balance, and stretches the legs. You may find that it helps you relieve stress. Being able to achieve it can give you confidence. Step-by-Step Instructions Begin in a comfortable seated position. From a cross legged position hug your right thigh into the chest straightening your left leg out in front of you on the mat. Lift and lengthen your spine and engage your core by pressing your navel back and up.Thread your right arm under your right knee. Try to get your right knee as high as possible on the right arm, maybe even bringing the knee over the right shoulder. It may take several adjustments to get the knee to its highest position.Plant both palms on the floor on the higher side of your hips and straighten your left leg.Press into your palms to lift your body, including your left leg and foot, off the floor. This is Eka Hasta Bhujasana. Your left leg needs to be engaged with the foot flexed for this to be possible. Your right leg needs to be actively hugging your right arm.Once you have the left leg lifted, bend that leg and bring the foot toward your body to hook your left ankle around your right ankle.Bend your arms to 90 degrees to shift the weight of your torso forward, towards parallel to the floor. At the same time, move both legs over to the right, parallel to the front of your mat.Straighten both legs as much as possible, squeezing your right arm. Lift your head but don't crank your neck. Think of shifting hips back and chest forward.To come out of the pose, straighten your arms and shift your weight back to lower to your butt with control. Repeat the pose on the other side. Common Mistakes To help achieve this pose, avoid these errors. Hand Placement Don't place your hands too close to your hips. They need to be about a foot in front of your hips so you can bend your elbows and lift your hips. Elbow Position If your outer elbow isn't close to your ribs your outer shoulder will drop too low and you will have increased pressure on it. Modifications and Variations As with other advanced yoga poses, there are ways to work yourself up to the full pose or to give yourself an additional challenge. Need a Modification? Work up to Eka Hasta Bhujasana. You must be able to lift your whole body up before continuing. It may help to place blocks under your hands to press into and assist in lifting your body. Up for a Challenge? Try moving back to Chaturanga without letting the feet touch down until the end. Safety and Precautions Avoid this pose if you have any injuries to your shoulders, wrists, or elbows. Remember that it is an advanced pose requiring suitable hip mobility, balance, and core strength. Develop these before you attempt this pose. Try It Out Incorporate this move and similar ones into one of these popular workouts: Yoga arm balances Yoga poses for arm strength Intermediate yoga poses How to Do Hurdler Pose (Eka Pada Koundinyasana II) By Ann Pizer, RYT Ann Pizer is a writer and registered yoga instructor who teaches vinyasa/flow and prenatal yoga classes. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit