Airplane

Sanskrit Name:

Dekasana

Description:

A dynamic balancing pose that cultivates strength, stability, and focus. Airplane strengthens the standing leg, engages the core, and expands the chest in a powerful forward-leaning shape.

Alignment Cues:

• Standing Foot and Leg:
  • Root firmly through the standing foot
  • Micro-bend in the standing knee to protect the joint
  • Engage the thigh and lift the kneecap
• Lifted Leg:
  • Extend straight back with toes pointing down
  • Keep the hips level and squared to the floor
• Hips:
  • Keep hips even—avoid opening to the side
  • Engage glutes and hamstrings to support the lift
• Torso and Spine:
  • Torso parallel to the floor, extended forward
  • Draw the belly in and lengthen through the spine
• Arms and Hands:
  • Arms extend alongside the body, palms down or in
  • Shoulders draw back and down, chest open
• Head and Neck:
  • Gaze is down and slightly forward
  • Neck long, in line with the spine
• Breath:
  • Steady and smooth to maintain balance and power