Balance · intermediate

Half Moon

Ardha Chandrasana

A standing balance turned open to the side — one of the clearest tests of hip stability in the practice.

Half Moon Photograph coming soon

A rigged MakeHuman figure animated into Half Moon from this guide's own alignment cues — not a photo or scan of a real instructor. Same avatar as Mountain Pose and Downward Dog; the clip enters from Mountain Pose, holds with a visible breath, and releases back — balanced on one leg, fingertips grazing the mat, the top leg levelled, with the contacts solved onto one floor plane on every frame. Built with MPFB2 from the MakeHuman community CC0 system assets.

How to do it

  1. From Triangle or Warrior II, bend the front knee and reach the bottom hand forward to a block.
  2. Shift weight forward and lift the back leg to hip height.
  3. Stack the top hip over the bottom hip and open the chest.
  4. Extend the top arm up, or keep the hand on the hip.

Why it helps

  • Builds standing-leg strength and hip stability
  • Trains balance in an open, rotated position
  • Lengthens hamstrings while working the glutes

Common mistakes

  • Placing the bottom hand too close to the standing foot.
  • Letting the top hip roll forward and closed.

Before you try it

  • Use a wall behind you until the balance is reliable.

This is general information, not medical advice. If you're working with an injury, a health condition, or you're pregnant, check with a doctor or physical therapist and tell your teacher before class.

Make it easier

  • Back against a wall.
  • Block under the bottom hand.
  • Top hand on the hip.

Where this pose shows up

Styles power iyengar

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