Fun fact: there are over 1,750 species of scorpions known to exist. While there are also many variations of the yoga pose Scorpion or Vrschikasana, the two main variations start with arms straight in handstand or with bent arms in forearm stand.
This is an advanced asana, so it is best to consult a yoga teacher prior to attempting this at home and to check-in and modify if there is a history of spinal, back, or wrist injuries, or if pregnant or if any heart conditions exist (i.e. high blood pressure).
Scorpion Pose is an advanced, challenging, and fun arm balance. The pose strengthens the torso, back, arms, and shoulders. It invites a nice stretch for the chest, spine, hip flexors, and shoulders. Scorpion Pose is also a great opportunity to work on balance, concentration, and openness to vulnerability.
If you’re the type who likes challenging yourself, sign up to our free 30-day yoga challenge by clicking here. Get deeper in your practice by mastering different poses and you might just find yourself holding the Scorpion Pose sooner than you think.
The yoga pose like the animal is often feared because it looks scary. However, with practice, the pose can be fun and beneficial for any practice!
Strength Focused Preparation
1. Downward-Facing Dog
1. Downward-Facing DogStrengthens the core, arms, and legs while also stretching the hands, shoulders, spine, hamstrings, calves, and soles of the feet.
2. Dolphin Plank Pose
2. Dolphin Plank PoseModification of Plank Pose that strengthens the core, thighs, and arms.
3. Dolphin Pose
3. Dolphin PoseStrengthens the core, arms, and legs as well as opens the shoulders and stretches the hamstrings, calves, and soles of the feet.
4. Feathered Peacock Pose
Improves balance and concentration, strengthens the shoulders, arms, and back as well as stretches the shoulders.
5. Handstand
5. HandstandStrengthens the shoulders, arms, and wrists as well as improves balance.
Flexibility Focused Preparation
6. Hands-Under-Feet or Gorilla Pose
6. Hands-Under-Feet or Gorilla PoseStretches the back as well as wrists.
7. Cow Pose
7. Cow PoseStretches the ankles, hips, thighs, shoulders, armpits, triceps, and chest.
8. Locust Pose
8. Locust PoseStretches the shoulders and thighs while gently opening the chest and back.
9. Cobra Pose
9. Cobra PoseStretches the abdomen, shoulders, thorax, and lungs as well as opens the heart to vulnerability.
10. Camel Pose
10. Camel PoseStretches the entire front body including the abdomen, thighs, thorax, ankles, groins, throat, psoas major
muscles, and quadriceps femoris muscles. This is also a great time to strengthen the back and open the chest and heart.
11. Wheel Pose
11. Wheel PoseStretches the abdomen, thorax, and lungs as well as strengthens the back, legs, abdomen, spine, arms, and wrists.
You can also try to practice the pose with a wall and walk the legs down. Additionally, Charging Scorpion Pose can be a fun modification or advancement (depending on the individual) and play pose which invites more heart opening and balance work.
Stay safe and happy practicing, yogis!
