What I love about arm balances within my yoga practice is the playfulness and dynamism they bring. Each asana offers a different challenge, a new way of meeting the body. Whether it’s softening, lengthening, twisting, bracing, breathing, or learning to let go, there’s always something to explore.

With arm balances, I find the key elements are strength, balance, trust, and technique.

When it comes to strength, arm balances invite us into the upper body in a way that isn’t always emphasised in yoga. While core, hips, and spinal strength are present in many asana, upper body strength can feel less familiar, and sometimes confronting. That’s part of what makes arm balances so powerful; they open the door to a different kind of strength.

For those beginning their arm balance journey, building a strong foundation is key. This might look like simple drills such as push-ups. Not always glamorous, but incredibly effective. Strength training outside of yoga can also be a game changer. I’ve personally found that incorporating upper body work in the gym has supported my practice immensely. It not only builds strength but enhances overall body awareness, complementing yoga beautifully.

I also love the process of learning to balance. It brings a deeper awareness of your centre of gravity, the levers of your limbs, and even the subtle strength of your hands and fingers. Understanding where your weight sits, and where your tipping point lies, is different for everyone. With time, you begin to find that sweet spot where everything meets in a kind of steady equilibrium.

Trust plays its own role. For some, it comes naturally. For others, it takes time. Moving through fear often comes down to repetition, patience, and gentle exposure. Learning how to fall safely, building strength, refining technique, and reminding yourself it’s okay to try all help to build that trust.

And then there’s technique. When the key actions begin to click, arm balances shift from feeling heavy and effortful to something much lighter, almost like a float. A kind of swan-like quality emerges. That “swan” will look different for everyone, shaped by your own body and experience. Some things will come naturally, others will take time, but when it lands, it really does feel intuitive.

As you build these foundations, more space opens up for play. Arm balances begin to weave more seamlessly into your practice, adding a sense of strength, fluidity, and exploration.

In this workshop, we’ll explore these elements together, building strength, refining technique, and creating space for play so you can move with more confidence and curiosity in your arm balances.

WRITTEN BY LUCIEN NABBS

ARM BALANCING WORKSHOP WITH LUCIEN NABBS

Join Lucien for a 2-hour arm balancing workshop focused on building strength, technique, and confidence.

Explore shapes like Crow, Side Crow, and Crane through a balance of structure and play.

Beginner-friendly, with space to challenge yourself, wherever you’re at.

A supportive space to experiment, fall, and maybe even take flight.

Details:
Saturday May 2nd
1:30–3:30pm, in studio
$49 per person
Limited spots available

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