Lesson 4: Arm Balances

How does the placement of your gaze (drishti) influence your physical balance?

Center of Gravity, Drishti (Gaze), Fulcrum, Lever.

1.12.1 Demonstrates activity-specific movement skills in a variety of lifetime sports and activities.

DOK 2: Describe how shifting your weight forward past your fingertips acts as a lever to lift the feet.

DOK 3: Predict how a lack of wrist flexibility would impact your ability to hold a Crow Pose, and suggest a modification using blocks.

In the high-pressure environment of high school and the impending transition to college or the workforce, yoga serves as a critical "toolkit" for stress management. Advanced yoga isn't just about touching your toes; it’s about interoception—the ability to sense the internal state of the body. By mastering breath control and physical balance, students develop "grit" and emotional regulation skills that are directly applicable to sports performance, academic testing, and professional high-stakes environments.

Yoga is weird.

Using a variety of challenge levels.
Students can choose their own level of challenge.
Using blocks and straps to assist in certain poses.

Stability Challenge—Students will demonstrate holding an arm balance for 5 full breath cycles with proper form.

• High-grip yoga mats (1 per student)

• Yoga blocks (2 per student)

• D-ring yoga straps

• Bolsters or rolled blankets

• Bluetooth speaker for ambient soundscapes

• Wall space (cleared for inversion practice)

• Journals or digital tablets for reflection