1) Stand with legs together, ankles and feet touching each other.

2) Engage thigh muscles gently pulling up on kneecaps. Do not lock knees.

3) Gently engage abdominal muscles, pointing tailbone downward. (Pelvis will tip slightly backward to neutral position.) Relax buttock muscles.

4) Bend left knee, take left foot with hands and rest on the top of the thigh of the right leg. (An easier variation – place sole of left foot against inside upper thigh of right leg.

5) Raise arms in the air above the head, palms together.

6) Hold pose for three to six breaths.

7) Repeat on opposite side. Return to 1. Repeat pose two to three times.

Tips:

■ Keep arms straight.

■ If you have difficulty keeping leg up, hold with opposite hand.

■ Stand close to a wall if unsteady.

■ Relax stomach muscles.

■ Fix eyes on a point in front of you to help maintain balance.