Eka Pada Koundinyasana II (Flying Splits)
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Yoga Techniques and Fitness
Overview
In this lesson, we present Eka Pada Koundinyasana II (Flying Splits), an arm balance that stretches the hamstrings while demanding upper body strength and precise weight distribution.
Objective
Understand how to shift your center of gravity forward onto your arms while extending one leg forward and the other back, developing the skill to find the balance point where both feet hover off the ground.
What You'll Get
You'll learn to coordinate Chaturanga-like arm strength with hip flexibility, negotiating your weight forward and back until you find the sweet spot where you can lift both feet. The pose requires patience and preparation, and many variations using props can help you work toward it. For your own practice, it builds confidence and body awareness. If you teach, you'll gain strategies for breaking down this complex transition that's popular in vinyasa flow classes but rarely easy for most practitioners. It's about learning to leverage your body weight intelligently while maintaining strength and openness.
Eka Pada Koundinyasana II
“eka” = one
“pada” = leg or foot
“Koundinya” = name of Sage
Pose Dedicated to Sage Koundinya
Eka Pada Koundinyasana II is also known as Flying Splits
Heart of Pose
- Arm Balance
- Hamstring Stretch
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