Finding Balance in Yoga - and Life

Dustin Brown shares his crow pose with us - to see more of his beautiful practice, check out his Instagram feed here. 

Our Five Favorite Poses to Strengthen Your Core and Calm Your Mind 

In the world of yoga, the quest for balance is a lifelong journey, and in today's fast-paced world, where stress and pressure are constant companions, finding balance in life can seem like an elusive dream. However, we believe that by incorporating yoga into your daily routine, men can achieve both physical and mental balance, which is essential for your overall well-being. 

In yoga, balance is not just about standing on one foot or maintaining a difficult pose; it is about finding harmony between your mind, body, and soul. When you achieve balance in your yoga practice, you feel more grounded, centered, and focused. This inner balance also reflects in your daily life, making you more resilient, calm, and confident. By practicing yoga, we can learn to slow down, be present in the moment, and connect with our inner selves. This connection helps us find balance in our daily lives, making us more productive, efficient, and fulfilled.

Here are five of our favorite positions for improving physical - and mental - balance as part of your practice:

1. Crow Pose (Bakasana): Of course we have to start with Yoga Crow’s favorite pose! This pose improves your balance, core strength, and concentration. To practice this pose, start in a squatting position and place your palms on the ground in front of you. Lift your hips, shift your weight onto your hands, and bend your elbows. Lift your feet off the ground and balance your knees on your triceps. Hold for a few breaths and then release.

2. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): This pose strengthens your legs, improves balance and stability, and opens up your hips. To practice this pose, stand tall, shift your weight onto one foot, and place the sole of the other foot on the inside of the standing leg's thigh. Keep your hands in prayer position at your chest and focus on a fixed point to maintain your balance.

3. Eagle Pose (Garudasana): This pose strengthens your ankles, legs, and core, and improves your balance and focus. To practice this pose, stand tall, bend your knees slightly, and wrap your right leg over your left leg. Cross your right arm over your left arm, bend your elbows, and bring your palms together. Hold for a few breaths and then switch sides.

4. Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana): This pose strengthens your legs, hips, and core, and improves your balance and flexibility. To practice this pose, start in a standing position and step your left foot back. Place your left hand on the ground, extend your right arm up, and lift your left leg off the ground. Keep your gaze up towards your right hand and hold for a few breaths before switching sides.

5. Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III): This pose strengthens your legs, improves your balance, and tones your core. To practice this pose, start in a standing position and shift your weight onto your right leg. Lean forward and extend your left leg back, keeping your arms extended in front of you. Hold for a few breaths and then switch sides.

For each of these positions, the Yoga Crow shorts offer comfort, flexibility, and durability that will help keep you focused on your practice - and on building your balance.