Extended Side Angle Pose – Utthita Parsvakonasana

Standing yoga pose extended side angle

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Benefits

Tone and strengthen your legs
Stretches torso and shoulders
Increases stamina

Contraindications

High or low blood pressure
Headache
Insomnia

Tips and Pointers

Keep your back heel grounded to the floor.

Modifications

You can use a block under your hand instead of trying to reach for the floor. Place your arm to the outside of your shin or on the inside.

Other Similar Poses

Extended Triangle Pose

The Mechanics of the Pose

  • Stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. Lift arms up until they are parallel to the floor.
  • Turn right foot to point to right and left foot from 45-90% angle. Heels should be in same line.
  • Bend your right leg. Right knee cap should line up right on top of the right angle and your right leg should form about 90% angle, shin perpendicular to the floor.
  • Reach left arm up in the air and lower right arm in line with right leg.
  • Relax shoulders and keep them away from your ears.
  • Gaze up in the air.
  • Hold position for a few breaths or from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Slowly on an inhale return to center and repeat to other side.

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