It takes concentration and focus to achieve perfect yoga poses – even some that are considered suitable for beginners. And then some yogis manage to twist and bend into the most incredible shapes. Want to see what you could achieve after much practice and desiccation? Are you ready to turn yourself into a human pretzel?
1 Lotus Handstand
If you can't get into the lotus position without using your hands yet, you'll not be able to achieve this pose.
Frequently asked questions
2 Flying Crow
It takes great flexibility and incredible strength to be able to bring your foot to rest on your tricep in this position.
3 Dropback
If you can achieve a full wheel, the next challenge is to drop into it from a standing position.
4 King Pigeon Pose
This will put your "bendyness" to the test.
5 Side Plank Pose
The plank is one of the staples of any fitness routine and here is how to make it super challenging.
6 Iron Cross Headstand
The iron cross headstand is an inversion that needs a strong focus.
7 Flying Pigeon
This pose strengthens the abdominal muscles and arms. You'll really feel it stretch those hamstrings.
8 Firefly B
In this variation of the arm balance firefly, you fold so far in half that your head ends up behind your legs.
9 Hummingbird
Use your upper body strength to balance on your arms and open up your hips.
10 Peacock
To achieve the position of a posing peacock, you'll have to concentrate your weight in your wrists.
11 Peacock Variation
As if the peacock isn't difficult enough – this variation is super scary. Could you get your legs into that position without using your hands?
12 One-Legged Staff
A killer combination of headstand and back bend.
13 Handstand Scorpion
Adding an intense back bend really tests your prowess at the handstand.
14 Locust Scorpion
This pose will test your spinal flexibility to the max.
15 Lifted Thunderbolt
You'll need to reach for the sky to get the most from this stretch – that is, if you can actually get in this pose in the first place.
16 Dancer Split
This adds extra stretch to the usual dancer pose – especially on the hamstrings. From the standard dancer pose, straighten your lifted leg into a split position.
17 Frog
Your quads will want to croak when you put them through this pose.
18 Lotus Headstand
Another pose where you need to be able to get into the lotus position without using your hands.
19 Big Toe Bow
Take the bow pose to the next level by holding your feet in the arched back position. This will seriously flex your spine.
20 Pinching Shoulders Headstand
Are you ready to balance on your elbows and head?
21 Eight Crooked Limbs
There's an extreme twist to this arm balance pose.
