Half MoonSave PDF

Ardha Chandrasana

ard-hah chahn-DRAH-sah-nah

Pose categories

Balancing, Core, Standing

Primary body parts engaged

Abs, Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Obliques, Quadriceps

Secondary

Ankles, Chest

Strengthens glutes, thighs and core

Improves digestion

Improves balance and coordination, relieves stress

How to perform Half Moon

Begin standing. Step your feet several feet apart. Turn your right toes 90 degrees to the right.
Bend your right knee with an exhale and lean your torso to the right. Bring your right fingertips to the floor, about 12 inches in front of your right foot.
Place your left hand on your left hip.
Focus your gaze at the floor in front of you. Shift your weight into your right foot. Lift your left leg parallel to the floor with an inhale. Flex the foot.
Straighten your right leg. Open your chest to the left. Reach your left arm to the sky with an inhale.
Balance in the pose and take slow, deep breaths.
Lower your top leg with an exhale. Rise with an inhale. Change sides.

Alignment cues

Flex top foot
Open chest toward side
Actively stretch hands away from each other
Do not lock standing knee
Lift standing leg knee cap

Modification: If you have any neck problems, look toward the floor.

Avoid this pose if you have low blood pressure.

More yoga poses to discover

Preparatory King Dancer · Saral Natarajasana

Revolved Triangle · Parivrtta Trikonasana

Warrior III · Virabhadrasana III

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Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana in Sanskrit) is a beginner yoga pose that belongs to the balancing and core and standing categories. This asana targets abs, glutes & hip flexors, hamstrings, obliques and quadriceps, and also involves ankles and chest muscles. Half moon improves digestion; strengthens glutes, thighs and core and also improves balance and coordination, relieves stress. Refer to the illustration and instructions above for how to perform this posture correctly. Discover more yoga asanas and yogic breathing exercises in our free yoga pose directory – a visual resource for yoga teacher training students as well as practitioners of all levels. Finally, shop our best-selling Yoga Cards products!

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