Half Moon Pose

Balance on one leg with your standing knee soft, not locked. Hinge forward from your hip and reach your free leg straight back until it's roughly level with your hip, while your torso tips forward to counterbalance it -- your body forms a rough T. Rest your bottom hand lightly on the floor or a block under your shoulder, just for balance, not to bear real weight. Rotate your chest and hips open toward the ceiling and stack your top arm straight up. Your gaze can follow your top hand once you feel steady. The work is in your standing leg and the deep core bracing that keeps your hips from dropping, not in gripping your toes for balance.