Lord of the Dance Pose I / Natarajasana I

Lord of the Dance Pose I / Natarajasana I

(not-ah-raj-AHS-anna)

Nata = actor, dancer or mime
Raja = king

1.  From Tadasana bend your right leg and grab the bottom of your right foot with your right hand. Make sure your left leg is straight and solid lifting your kneecap up.

2.  Pull your right leg up until your thigh is parallel to the floor and your left arm is in front for balance parallel to the floor.

3.  At this point reach back with your left hand and grab onto the inside of your right foot.  Next release your right hand and bring it up around the front over your head and grab onto the outside of your right foot.  Keep your elbows close to the side of your head pointing up toward the ceiling your right thigh remaining parallel to the floor. Gaze upward.

4. From here shift your gaze to the front of the room and start to shift your weight forward lifting your right foot with your hands until your toes are above the crown of your head.

Benefits
-Stretches your thighs, groins, abdomen, shoulders and chest
-Stimulates abdominal organs and lungs
-Strengthens your legs
-Improves balance and posture

Cautions
-Do not perform if you have a back, knee, neck or shoulder injury
-Do not perform if you have low blood pressure