while the other extends straight back. Preparation The arms and shoulders can be strengthened for Crane/Crow by practising moving from High Plank to Low Plank. Other preparatory poses include Downward Dog Pose, Virasana (Hero Pose), and Malasana (Garland Pose). Claims Twentieth century advocates of some schools of yoga, such as B. K. S. Iyengar, made claims for the effects of yoga on specific organs, without adducing any evidence. Iyengar claimed that this pose "strengthens the arms and abdominal organs since the latter are contracted." See also Bhujapidasana – a similar hand-balancing pose, with the feet crossed in front of the body Tittibhasana - a hand-balancing pose with the feet stretched straight out in front References Sources Balancing asanas Medieval Hatha Yoga asanas Core strength asanas