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Lesson 6 - Arm Balances and Strength Control

Sun Salutations to Personal Flow

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Year 6

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Yoga

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our breath and focus to develop strength and control in challenging yoga poses?

Learning Objectives

To develop strength and control through arm balance poses
To link yoga poses with smooth, controlled transitions
To maintain balance whilst transitioning between challenging poses

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled arm balance poses with proper alignment
Students will create flowing sequences that incorporate arm balances
Students will show improved strength, balance and mindfulness through yoga practice

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Arrange in rows with enough space between for movement

Alternative: Towels or carpet squares for individual spaces

Arm Balances Instruction Cards

1 set per 4-6 students

Place at stations around the room for easy reference

Alternative: Printed photos or teacher demonstration

Beats Audio

1 speaker system

Set at low volume to create calming atmosphere

Alternative: Phone speaker or ambient instrumental music

Challenge Arm Balances Cards

1 set for extension work

Available for students ready for additional challenge

Alternative: Written descriptions of advanced poses

Key Vocabulary

Namaste

A respectful greeting meaning 'the light in me honours the light in you'

Arm Balance

Yoga poses where body weight is supported primarily by the arms and hands

Drishti

A focused gaze point that helps maintain balance and concentration

Flow

A sequence of yoga poses linked together with smooth transitions

Mindfulness

Focused awareness of the present moment, thoughts, and sensations

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic yoga poses and breathing techniques
Understanding of balance and body awareness
Experience with mindfulness and focus exercises

Current Skills

Arm balance techniques and progressions
Controlled transitions between poses
Advanced strength and stability work

Next Steps

Creating personal yoga sequences
Teaching poses to others
Exploring more advanced yoga practices

Milestone Indicators

Holds arm balances for 4+ breaths consistently

Demonstrates smooth transitions without losing balance

Shows focused concentration throughout practice

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise gradual progression through arm balance stages - never rush
Use drishti (focused gaze) to improve balance and concentration
Maintain slow, controlled breathing throughout all poses and transitions
Focus on strength building and proper alignment over advanced poses
Create supportive, non-competitive environment where effort is valued
Integrate mindfulness and body awareness throughout the practice
Ensure partner collaboration enhances learning for both participants

Common Misconceptions

Arm balances are only for strong or flexible people - correct by showing progressions accessible to all
Holding breath makes poses easier - teach that steady breathing provides stability and strength
Faster movements look more impressive - emphasise that slow, controlled movement shows true skill
Yoga is not 'real' exercise - explain how it builds functional strength, flexibility and mental focus
Everyone should be able to do the same poses - celebrate individual progress and different starting points

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter holds initially, frequent position changes, clear boundaries and expectations, partner support

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, simplified sequences initially, support with spatial awareness and body positioning

autism spectrum

Clear routine and predictable structure, quiet space available, visual schedule of lesson stages

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of poses, partner guidance for spatial awareness, tactile cues for alignment

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all poses and breathing techniques, written instruction cards, clear visual cues

physical disability

Modified poses using chairs or props, focus on upper body strength within individual capability, adaptive positioning

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving instructions, descriptive language for poses and feelings, communication skills in partner work

Maths

Counting breaths and timing, understanding of balance and symmetry, spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Understanding anatomy and how muscles work together, effects of breathing on body systems, balance and centre of gravity

PSHE

Mindfulness and mental wellbeing, cooperation and communication, self-awareness and personal development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all students, position near groups needing support

Observation Focus

Watch for proper progression through arm balance stages, safe technique, and mindful breathing

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt poses too advanced for their level or show signs of strain

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate poses clearly, emphasise safety and gradual progression, model mindful breathing and focus

Verbal Cues

•'Keep your drishti steady'
•'Move slowly and breathe'
•'Listen to your body'
•'Progress gradually'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 4m x 6m clear space, with yoga mats providing individual practice areas

Surface Check

Non-slip yoga mats on clean, even floor surface free from hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are properly positioned and non-slip
•Ensure instruction cards are laminated and safe
•Verify audio equipment volume is appropriate

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Wrist strain from arm balances
•Falls from attempting poses too quickly
•Muscle strain from forcing poses
•Dizziness from breathing exercises

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise gradual progression through arm balance stages
•Teach proper warm-up and preparation
•Monitor students for signs of strain or discomfort
•Ensure adequate spacing between practitioners

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during arm balance attempts
•Monitor breathing exercises for any distress
•Watch for students pushing beyond safe limits

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aid personnel if needed