25 Amazing Yoga Poses Most People Wouldn’t Dream of Trying
HANDSTAND SCORPION
Handstand is hard enough, but when you throw an intense backbend in there, it might be a little too challenging for most people to want to try.
We’ve all had a Polly or Peter Pretzel in our yoga class, and admit it – you can’t help but ogle a little at their awe-inspiring strength and flexibility. It’s inspirational, and it gives a little insight into what years of practice can lead you to. But let’s face it: some poses are just flat-out out of the question. Get ready to be wowed when you see these amazing advanced yoga poses. Would you try them?
KING PIGEON POSE
Talk about a backbend! This one known as King Pigeon Pose bends most people more than they’d want to.
HALF LOTUS CROW
Ever think to do Crow with your legs in Half Lotus?!
IRON CROSS HEADSTAND
This is one extreme inversion! Definitely not a pose for everyone, but if you’re up for a challenge, here are instructions on how to get into Iron Cross Headstand.
SCORPION WITH A BROKEN TAIL
Forearm Stand is a toughie, and bending your knees and resting your feet on your head in Scorpion is even harder, but this creative variation is definitely way more challenging. Would you try it?
CHAKRA BOND POSE
This takes Full Wheel to a whole other level most people aren’t willing to go.
BIG TOE BOW
Now Bow pose, most people will try, but this advanced variation where you hold the toes makes your back arch so much, it might feel like it’s breaking in half.
PEACOCK
Doesn’t it look like her hands are about to break off from her wrists? Although gorgeous, Peacock pose isn’t for everyone
SLEEPING YOGI
Both legs behind your head? She sure looks peaceful in Sleeping Yogi, but for most people, it’d be painful.
HUMMINGBIRD
Graceful yet bold, this arm balance requires amazingly open hips, as well as upper-body strength
PEACOCK VARIATION
Two wows are going on in this crazy variation of Peacock. How does she balance on her hands that way, and how in the world does she get her legs in that bent position?
FIREFLY B
A variation of the arm balance Firefly, this guy is folding in half so much that his head is behind his legs. Amazing!
ONE-LEGGED STAFF
This headstand and backbend variation is no joke!
DROPBACK
Wheel pose may be no problem for you, but dropping back into it from standing? Now there’s a challenge!
STANDING FLYING CROW
It’s hard to see, but in this extreme arm balance pose, your right foot is planted on your right triceps. It takes incredible strength and hip flexibility.
LOCUST SCORPION
Looks like a move right out of Cirque du Soleil! This Locust variation is all about spinal flexibility.
LIFTED THUNDERBOLT
Holy flexible back!
LEG BEHIND THE HEAD SAGE
Sage pose works your core and upper body, but wait – does this guy have his leg behind his head? Gorgeous but intense!
DANCER SPLIT
Dancer is a balancing pose that most people think of as a backbend, but if you straighten your lifted leg into a split position, it’s a major stretch for the hamstrings.
HEADSTAND BOW
One part headstand, one part backbend, this pose might be a little too much for most.
HEADSTAND LOTUS
Headstand on its own is a rather advanced move, but not many would try folding their legs into Full Lotus while upside down.
FROG
It looks painful, but Frog pose is a great way to stretch out the quads. Would you try this one?
PINCHING SHOULDERS HEADSTAND
Balancing on your elbows and head seems like it’d break your neck!
HANDSTAND LOTUS
Can you imagine being so steady balancing on your palms that you can fold your legs into Full Lotus without using your hands?
EIGHT CROOKED LIMBS
Defying gravity it seems, this arm balance is also an extreme twist. Want to give it a try? Here are instructions on how to do Eight Crooked Limbs.