Hello yogis! Are you seeking to enhance your flexibility and open up your body to deeper poses but aren’t quite sure where to start? Good news! Here are some advanced flexibility poses to help you take your yoga practice to the next level.

1. Full Splits 🤸‍♀️

Full splits, or Hanumanasana, is a pose that challenges your hamstrings, hip flexors, and quadriceps. It’s essential to warm up with some hip opening poses before attempting it. Place your hands on the ground in front of you and start by keeping your hips squared and sliding your legs apart until you’re in the full splits position. With regular practice, you’ll be able to deepen the pose and increase your overall flexibility.

A person in full splits

2. Scorpion Pose 🦂

Scorpion Pose, or Vrschikasana, is a challenging backbend that opens your shoulders, chest, and hips. It requires both strength and flexibility in equal measure. Start in downward dog, then lift one leg off the ground and bring it towards your head while bending your other leg to support your weight. Try to touch your head with your toes and hold the pose for a few breaths.

A person in scorpion pose, with one leg in a backbend and the other supporting their weight

3. Baby Grasshopper Pose 🦗

Baby Grasshopper Pose, or Ardha Tittibhasana, strengthens your core and arms while simultaneously increasing your hip flexibility. Begin in your Crow Pose and lean your body forward while bringing one leg towards your head. Once you find your balance, bring the other leg up to join the first and hold the pose for a few breaths.

A person in baby grasshopper pose, balancing on their hands and leaning their body forward with their legs extended behind them

4. Flying Pigeon Pose 🐦

Flying Pigeon Pose, or Eka Pada Galavasana, takes the traditional pigeon pose to a whole new level. It strengthens your arms and core and increases hip flexibility. Begin in a pigeon pose and lift your back leg while engaging your core to balance. Bring your hands together in front of your chest and hold the pose for a few breaths.

A person in flying pigeon pose, with one leg lifted behind them and their hands together in front of their chest

5. King Pigeon Pose 🦚

King Pigeon Pose, or Kapotasana, is a deep backbend that stretches your chest, shoulders, and quadriceps. Begin in downward dog and bring one knee towards your chest, then place your foot forward in front of you. Slide the other leg back to extend your hip flexor and reach back for your foot with your same-side hand. Hold the pose, then switch sides and repeat.

A person in king pigeon pose, with one leg extended behind them and their same-side hand reaching back to hold their foot

Conclusion 💭

These advanced flexibility poses require patience, practice, and consistency. Never push past your body’s limitations, and always listen to what feels good for you. Remember to stay present with your breath, and enjoy the benefits of opening up your body and mind to deeper levels of flexibility. Namaste. 🙏

A group of people in various yoga poses, surrounded by greenery and nature