Airplane pose engages the shoulders, chest, rib cage, upper abdomen, and arms muscles to maintain the shoulders and hips steady when the arms are in wings position behind the back. This position assists in the development of balance and awareness, as well as preparing the body for more difficult balance poses.

The pose is a standing action requiring a person to perform a forward bend sequence while balancing one leg with the other leg lifted in the air. The arms are stretched sideways like an airplane’s wings, making up for a difficult task. Airplane Pose is considered to be an advanced balancing pose that is employed to strengthen muscles and the core.

Airplane pose, or Dekasana, is a variation of Warrior 3 pose. It requires focus, a mastery of basic skills and an attitude of fun. As with any pose, approach Airplane slowly and deliberately. Once you’ve earned your wings, you can start to cultivate a feeling of lightness, lifting your wings and enjoying the full stretch this posture offers.

The practice of Dekasana (Airplane Pose) has a close resemblance to Virabhadrasana Iii (Warrior Pose Iii), except for the arms being extended behind. The placing of the arms behind is a bit more challenging as it requires the strength of the shoulders, chest, rib cage, upper abdomen, and arms to keep the shoulders and hips stable.