Extended Side Angle Pose | Utthita Parsvakonasana

EXTENDED SIDE ANGLE POSE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start in warrior II pose, bend your torso to the left and place your left hand on the inside of your left foot.
2. Extend your right arm over the top of your head, pointing your fingertips in the same direction as the front toes, and gaze up toward the ceiling.
3. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then repeat on the opposite side.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

Keep your left shin perpendicular to the floor and keep your left shoulder directly over the right. Lengthen the spine and maintain your back heel, spine, and head in one straight line.

UTTHITA PARSVAKONASANA BENEFITS

The extended side angle pose strengthens the legs, knees and ankles, and stretches the chest, shoulders, spine, and groins. This pose also stimulates the abdominal organs, eases cramps, and increases stamina.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Knee, neck, hips or back injury.

PREPARATORY, COMPLEMENTARY AND FOLLOW-UP POSES

Start with wide legged forward bend, extended triangle or warrior II pose and then progress to extended side angle pose. Follow-up with eagle pose, tree pose or bound angle pose.

RELATED YOGA POSES

Try these other yoga poses to relax and relieve stress and tension:
Head to knee forward bend pose
Lizard pose
Half frog pose
Wide legged forward bend twist pose

YOGA ESSENTIAL FLOWS