Extended Triangle Pose

Extended Triangle Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Utthita Trikonasana (oo-tee-tah tree-koh-NAHS-anna)

DESCRIPTION: From a standing position, the legs are straight and separated into a wide stance. The feet are aligned and flat on the earth with the back foot in a 60-degree angle towards the front. The inner thighs are rotated externally away from each other. The pelvis is tucked and the ribcage is lifted. One arm extends up towards the sky as the other reaches down to the earth. Both arms are aligned with the shoulders in a straight line. The fingers reach out as the shoulder blades squeeze together. The gaze is toward the front.

BENEFITS: Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles. Stretches the hips, groin, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, and spine. Stimulates the abdominal organs. Helps relieve stress. Improves digestion. Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. Relieves backache, especially through second trimester of pregnancy. Therapeutic for anxiety, flat feet, infertility, neck pain, osteoporosis, and sciatica.

Extended Side Angle Pose

Extended Side Angle Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Utthita Parsvakonasana (oo-TEE-tah parsh-wah-cone-AHS-anna)

DESCRIPTION: From Warrior II (Vīrabhadrāsana II), the lower body stays static while the upper body is folded forward at the crease of the hip. One arm is extended toward the front with the bicep by the ear and the fingers spread wide while the other reaches down to the earth on the inside of the thigh. The upper torso and the gaze twist up towards the sky.

BENEFITS: Strengthens and stretches the legs, knees, and ankles. Stretches the groin, spine, waist, chest, lungs, and shoulders. Stimulates abdominal organs. Increases stamina.