Spring Forward, Spring Back: Leaping Crocodile

This week marks the beginning of spring, a time of new beginnings and brighter days. Spring reminds us that each day offers a fresh opportunity for change. That makes now the perfect time to try something new. Which brings us to this week’s pose: Leaping Crocodile (Nakrasana) - or as named in Yoga Teddy Bear A-B-C “Jumping Crocodile.”

By practicing Leaping/Jumping Crocodile, you will challenge your strength and endurance by leaping like a crocodile chasing its prey. Begin in Plank Pose. Inhale and bend your elbows slightly, then press up powerfully on your exhale so that your hands and feet come off the ground. It’s not how high you jump, it’s the effort you put forth that makes the difference. 

See if you can leap forward 3-5 times, then backward 3-5 times. This movement is a great metaphor: sometimes even when we seem to be regressing, we are making progress. 

When you’re finished, rest in Sleeping Crocodile (known as “Napping Crocodile” in Yoga Teddy Bear A-B-C) by lying on your belly with your forehead resting on your hands.

 

Above: Yoga Teddy Bear creator K. Mae Copham practicing Nakrasana. 

P.S. We'll be in Ft. Lauderdale April 8 at the Yoga Expo. Will you be nearby? Please join us with our compliments. Use our booth number L25 for your free pass.  (Note: code expires 48 hours before the start of the Yoga Expo. 30 free passes available on a first come-first served basis.)