Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1 vs. 2: What's the Difference?

If you’ve ever been confused about the difference between Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1 and Eka Pada Koundinyasana 2, you’re not alone. These two arm balances look similar but are quite different, and the entry into both requires different activation. We’ll explain the difference as well as common entries and transitions for both to help you find fun in your flow.

Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1 vs. 2

While the upper body positioning has a similar Chaturanga shape for both, the main difference between Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1 and 2 is the leg positioning: Eka Pada Koundinyasana 1 has your top leg lifting back, and Eka Pada Koundinyasana 2 has your bottom leg lifting back.

The entry into both arm balances is different as well. To get into Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1, you’ll start from Side Crow. From there, you’ll extend your top leg straight back and reach your bottom leg straight out to the side. Lift your chest up and look forward to stabilize.

To get into Eka Pada Koundinyasa 2, start from Single Leg Downward Dog with your left leg lifted. Bend your left leg, shift forward and connect your inner left thigh to the outer edge of your left tricep. Create a shelf for your legs by bending your arms, shift your weight into your fingertips, and lift your back right leg off the ground. Extend your top left leg straight out to the side.

Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1 Transitions

Try these transitions into and out of Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1:

Side Crow to Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1
Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1 to Side Crow
Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1 to Fallen Angel Pose
Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1 to Dwi Pada Koundinyasana
Lunge Prayer Twist to Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1

Eka Pada Koundinyasa 2 Transitions

Try these transitions into and out of Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1:

Single Leg Downward Dog to Eka Pada Koundinyasa 2
Lizard Pose to Eka Pada Koundinyasa 2
Eka Pada Koundinyasa 2 to Eight Angle Pose
Eka Pada Koundinyasa 2 to Chin Stand
Eka Pada Koundinyasa 2 to Eka Pada Push-Ups

How do you pronounce
Eka Pada Koundinyasana?

Eka Pada Koundinyasana is pronounced EK-uh PAHD-uh KOON-din-YAH-suh-nuh.

How do I practice
Eka Pada Koundinyasana?

We recommend following along with an instructor to help warm up your body and prepare for Eka Pada Koundinyasa 1 and 2. Here are some Alo Moves online yoga tutorials with expert instructor Dylan Werner that will get you there. (New to Alo Moves? Access these classes for free with a 14-day trial.)

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