Strike a Yoga Pose: Sugarcane

If you love Half Moon Pose, then it's time to include Sugarcane Pose into your yoga practice. This variation on the more common balancing posture gives your back and quads a huge stretch while helping tone your tush. It's an essential asana for any runner or dancer who needs to give her legs and back a little love.

Float into Half Moon Pose with your right hand planted firmly on the floor and your left leg lifted in the air. Stay for a few breaths to relax into the posture.
On your inhale, bend your left leg in toward your chest. On the exhale, reach back for your left foot with your left arm. Your left hand will catch the top of your left foot.
Once you've got a firm grip and you're stabilized in the pose, imagine you're kicking back. Press the top of your left foot into your left hand, while your hand attempts to pull the foot in toward your body. This push-pull motion will deepen the posture and give your quads a deeper stretch.
Hold for five breaths before releasing the left foot back into Half Moon Pose. Return the foot to the floor, and try it on the other side.