Crescent Moon Pose

Category

Yoga

Difficulty

Beginner

Equipment

Bodyweight

Primary muscles

Hip Flexors, Iliopsoas

Secondary muscles

Quadriceps Femoris, Latissimus Dorsi, Erector Spinae

How to do it

1. Start in a low lunge with the right foot forward, knee over the ankle, left knee on the mat behind you.
2. Tuck the pelvis under to engage the glutes and protect the lower back.
3. Lift the chest and raise both arms straight up overhead, biceps near the ears.
4. Sink the hips forward to deepen the stretch in the back hip flexor.
5. Hold for the prescribed time, then switch sides.

Form tips

• Do not arch the lower back — the pelvic tuck is what creates the hip flexor stretch.
• Keep the front knee stacked over the front ankle; do not let it collapse inward.
• Reach the fingertips up and slightly back to open the chest.
• Breathe steadily into the front of the hip.