Category

Arm balances

Level

advanced

Hold

1–5 breaths

Type

Asana

Breath

Exhale to lift; keep short, steady breaths in the balance.

Rooster Pose

Kukkutasana — "rooster posture"

Also known as: Cockerel Pose

From Lotus, you thread your arms through the gaps between calves and thighs, then press up to balance. It demands a deep, easeful Lotus and slim tolerance for shortcuts — treat it as a long-term curiosity, not a goal to rush.

Step by step

1. 1Sit in a comfortable, well-established Lotus Pose — this pose is only for practitioners whose Lotus is already easy.
2. 2Thread your right hand and forearm through the gap between your right calf and thigh, near the knee.
3. 3Thread your left arm through the same gap on the left side, working the arms through past the elbows.
4. 4Place both palms flat on the floor, fingers spread and pointing forward.
5. 5Press down through your hands, exhale, and lift your folded legs and hips off the floor.
6. 6Balance with your chest lifted and gaze steady ahead, then lower slowly and unthread your arms with care.