Fit & Flexible Friday - Firefly Pose

When I first began yoga, I never dreamed of accomplishing arm balances such as this one.  The more I went to classes and practiced, it became a euphoric addiction to push myself to the next level and use my inner and outer strength to trust myself and come into poses like firefly.  I learned, that with the right attitude and appropriate steps taught by my instructors, anything is possible... so, you can do it too!  Try the below steps.

1. Start in a squat with your feet facing slightly outward. Lean back and place your hands directly behind your legs, with your fingertips pointing towards and nearly touching your heels.  Trust yourself as you begin to lean all of your weight onto your strong, 90 degree bent "chaturanga" elbows.

2. With knees directly above your bent elbows, cross your legs in front as if you're sitting "indian style".

3. From crossed legs, keep elbow bent at 90 degrees, and slowly begin to extend your legs until... TA-DA! you're in a splits formation

Photo Credits: Natalie Rich