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Side Crow (Parsva Bakasana)

Elisha in Side Crow (Parsva Bakasana), both hands flat on the mat, stacked knees and legs twisted to the right and resting on the right upper arm, torso rotating and weight shifting forward over the hands
Root down, rotate, and open all the way up.

Side Crow is an arm balance that adds a spinal twist to the Crow Pose foundation. Rather than placing both knees symmetrically on both upper arms, you rotate the torso and stack both legs to one side, balancing on a single arm. It requires a solid Crow Pose, good core strength, and the ability to commit weight to your hands through a twist. It's one of the most satisfying arm balances to unlock because it combines two challenging elements: twisting and balancing, into one shape.


How to Practice Side Crow (Parsva Bakasana)

  1. Begin in a low squat (Malasana) with feet together.

  2. Rotate your torso to the right and place both hands flat on the mat to the right of your feet, shoulder-width apart.

  3. Bend your elbows and lean forward, bringing your stacked knees toward your right upper arm.

  4. Rest both knees on the back of your right upper arm as high as possible.

  5. Begin to shift your weight forward over your hands, letting your feet lighten off the mat.

  6. Keep your core engaged and your gaze forward, not down.

  7. Squeeze your legs together throughout, the stack is what makes the pose work.

  8. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then lower with control and switch sides.


Modifications & Variations

  • Build Crow first: Side Crow requires a comfortable Crow Pose as a foundation. If Crow isn't steady yet, focus there first.

  • Keep toes on the floor: Practice the twist and the arm placement with your toes still lightly touching the mat before committing to the full lift.

  • Pillow in front: Place a folded blanket or pillow in front of your face when learning, removing the fear of tipping forward makes it much easier to shift your weight.


Bring Your Practice to Life


A large group of yoga students practicing on the grass in Golden Gate Park on a sunny day, with trees and a blue sky in the background

Free Yoga in Golden Gate Park


Every summer I teach free outdoor classes at the Whale's Tail in Golden Gate Park, June through October. Bring your mat, bring a friend, and meet me on the grass.


Elisha seated in meditation on an open-air wooden yoga shala, surrounded by tall wooden posts, with a misty lake and mountain range visible in the background at sunrise

Yoga Retreats Around the World


Ready to go deeper? I lead small-group retreats in some of the most beautiful places on earth. A few days of practice, good food, and real rest can change everything.



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