YogaFold
YOGAFOLD · POSE GUIDE
Standing Leg-Behind-Head Fold
Skandasana
Fold forward while standing with one leg behind the head in an advanced Ashtanga form.
Named after Skanda, the son of Shiva.
This entry explains preparation and movement characteristics. It does not provide a complete practice procedure for the advanced photographed variation. Learn entry and exit directly with a teacher.
Movement guidance
Preparation
Check standing Durvasasana and hip preparations with a teacher.
Understanding the movement
This is an advanced standing forward fold with one leg behind the head.
Hold and breathe
This differs from the side-lunge form also called Skandasana. Keep breathing comfortably without holding your breath.
Exit and next movement
Learn how to support and release both the torso and the leg behind the neck in person.
Easier variations and preparation
Check the basic form and preparations with a teacher; do not force binds, inversions, or deep backbends.
This advanced variation requires support and range of motion. Check preparation and exit with a teacher when first learning.
Difficulty refers to the photographed form. Individual experience may differ.
Supta Kurmasana (Sleeping Tortoise)
Hanumanasana (Monkey / Front Split Pose)
Samakonasana (Middle Split Pose)
Visvamitrasana (Visvamitra's Pose)