Advanced exercise

One-Legged King Pigeon

Also called Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

  • Flexibility
  • Range Of Motion And Yoga

Technique

How to perform One-Legged King Pigeon

  1. Start in an upright Pigeon position with the front hip supported and the front knee comfortable; use a familiar backbend range.
  2. Bend the rear knee and use a strap around the rear foot to establish a controlled hold, keeping the rear shin roughly upright.
  3. Lift the chest and bring the elbows overhead as available; approach the foot with the head only if the backbend allows it without pulling the foot forward or forcing contact.
  4. Release one hand to the floor for support, then release the other hand and lower the rear foot; return to all fours before changing sides.

Programming relevance

Muscles involved

MuscleScoreRole
Iliacus0.9Mobility Target
Psoas Major0.9Mobility Target
Rectus Femoris0.9Mobility Target
Vastus Lateralis0.9Mobility Target
Vastus Medialis0.9Mobility Target
Latissimus Dorsi0.8Mobility Target
Rectus Abdominis0.6Mobility Target