https://www.yogajournal.com/practice-section/5-crazy-yoga-poses

5 Yoga Poses We Have to Admit Are Pretty Crazy

Let’s face it, a lot of what we do with our bodies on the mat looks a bit ridiculous. It’s healthy to take a step back from time to time, lighten the mood, and note the absurdity of it all.

MEAGAN MCCRARY

MAY 23, 2016

While yoga can be quite the serious spiritual endeavor (the quest for self-realization being nothing to scoff at), there’s no denying the fact that a lot of what we do with our bodies on the mat looks a bit ridiculous—especially to those on the outside looking in. Imagine never having done yoga and then seeing a room full of Happy Baby Poses.... Pretty absurd, right?!

Every now and then, I highly suggest taking a few steps back. One of the pitfalls of being a yogi is that we’re constantly surrounded by (and, dare I say, comparing ourselves to) other yogis. All of a sudden, being able to do freakish things, like wrap your legs around your head, seems normal. It’s not. The majority of folks would love to be able to touch their toes, let alone hang out in the splits, and admire you for even having the courage to step onto the mat. Allow that realization to sink in.

Then stop taking your practice so seriously! Believe me, I know how easy it is to become frustrated and quick to judge yourself on the mat. I’m constantly telling my students to tell themselves "something nice” and reminding them that no one is a better, happier person because they can stand on their hands. That’s what yoga’s about after all; becoming a clearer, more compassionate, connected human being.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with going after advanced poses; it creates tapas (heat), inspires commitment, and generates transformation. However, developing tunnel vision on those endeavors usually results in missing the bigger picture. The world at large couldn’t care less whether or not you can touch your toes to your head. Yoga practice is about so much more than the poses themselves. When all else fails, though, it’s healthy to take a step back and laugh at the absurdity of it all. Here are a few especially ridiculous poses, perfect for lightening the mood.

5 Crazy Yoga Poses (Laughing Encouraged)

Super Soldier Pose

What the what?! Forward fold, lift a leg, bend a knee, reach under and grab a foot where? Even the most flexible yogis can’t figure out how to get into this innovative pose.

Super Soldier is one of those poses that seemed to appear with the whole Instagram yoga craze—and it’s as complicated as it looks. Aside from requiring incredibly open hamstrings, thighs, shoulders and side bodies, this pose asks you to balance on one foot while hanging upside down and grabbing the other foot above your butt. For most, the pose never feels as graceful as it sometimes looks on social media.

If you want to try it...

There really is no major benefit to be gained from Super Soldier—aside from freaking your friends out. But if you’re interested in figuring it out, spend time warming up with Standing Splits, thigh stretches, and shoulder openers, as well as binds. Then grab a yoga friend or teacher (preferably someone you can laugh with) to walk you through the steps in person.

See also Rodney Yee’s Top 10 Yoga Poses to Practice Daily

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 MEAGAN MCCRARY