How To Do the Eagle Pose

Stand at the front of your mat with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed between them, your spine erect, and your arms at your sides.

Lift your arms in front of you with your right elbow underneath your left elbow. Bring the backs of your hands toward each other.

If you can, move your hands past each other so that your palms are facing each other and your arms are double wrapped like vines.

Now raise your right leg, drape your right knee over your left knee, and balance on your left leg.

If you can, slowly wrap your right foot behind your left calf to increase the stretch in your hips. If this causes stress in your knees, return to the previous posture.

Bend your left knee a little more so you are positioned as if sitting in a chair with your legs crossed.

Hold this pose for several breaths, focusing on your balance, and on keeping your spine upright and aligned.

Release the pose and repeat the steps on the opposite side, with your left elbow under your right while balanced on your right leg.

Hold this pose for the same number of breaths as you did on the other side, and release. Cross yourself off the endangered species list.