START WITH “SIMPLE” BICEP ACTIVATION

Even though we have many of the traditional principles of an arm balance in Peacock Pose, there’s a lot we can learn from what is different. For example, the placement of the hands is backwards, which makes our hands a pulling force rather than the usual pushing. Our biceps pull us into a position to avoid leaning too much and falling over.

Asana practice, however, does not provide many opportunities for bicep strength. So how do we prepare these muscles, which are integral to the pose? In today’s video, Matt offers two drills that can be incorporated into our practice. 

First, like a bicep curl, you can place one hand on top of the other and resist the push of the top hand by bringing the bottom hand up toward your face or by simply creating an isometric contraction.

Next, on hands and knees, you can pull one hand toward the other, even swiping each hand up to the opposite shoulder.