Intense Side Stretch Pose | Parsvottanasana

INTENSE SIDE STRETCH POSE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start in mountain pose, take a step back with your right leg, align the heels and rotate the right foot slightly out.
2. Bend from the hips, lay your torso on your left thigh and place your hands or fingertips on the floor.
3. Stay in intense side stretch pose for 30 seconds and then switch leg positions.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

Keep your hips squared and facing the front edge of your mat and maintain both legs straight and strong. Exhale as you bend from the hips, lengthen the spine and press the soles of the feet on the floor.

PARSVOTTANASANA BENEFITS

The intense side stretch pose stretches and lengthens the back of the legs and spine, and stimulates digestion. This is a soothing pose that also improves your stength, stability and flexibility.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Back injury.

PREPARATORY, COMPLEMENTARY AND FOLLOW-UP POSES

Start with extended triangle pose, standing forward bend or tree pose and then progress to intense side stretch pose. Follow-up with warrior I pose or wide legged forward bend.

RELATED YOGA POSES

Try these other yoga poses to relax and relieve stress and tension:
Gate pose
Low lunge quad stretch pose
Lion pose
Lord of the dance pose

YOGA ESSENTIAL FLOWS