Extended Side Angle Pose: Utthita Parsvakonasana

Extended Side Angle Pose: Utthita Parsvakonasana

Utthita parsvakonasana (oo-TEE-tah PARZ-vuh-ko-NAHS-uh-nuh) is a standing pose that stretches the legs, knees, hips, and ankles while increasing endurance and stamina.

SANSKRIT

  • Utthita: extended
  • Parsva: side
  • Kona: angle
  • Asana: pose

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

  • Strengthens your thighs, hips, knees, and ankles.
  • Stretches your groin, back, spine, waist, ankles, and shoulders.

ENERGETIC BENEFITS

  • Increases endurance and stamina.

PREP POSES

SEQUENTIAL POSES

COUNTER POSES

ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS

  • Rest your forearm on the top of your front thigh. Draw your shoulders away from your ears and stay engaged in the sides of the torso to prevent collapsing toward the ground.
  • Place a block under your bottom hand to bring the ground closer to you.
  • Keep your gaze forward or down to the floor to invite more space in the neck.

STEP-BY-STEP

  1. Begin in warrior II pose with your right foot forward.
  2. Reach your right arm toward the top of your mat, extending through the sides of your torso. When you reach as far as you can, lower your right hand down and left hand toward the ceiling, both palms facing the left side of your mat.
  3. Draw both shoulders away from your ears. Square your shoulders to the left side of your mat.
  4. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then return to warrior II and release. Repeat on the other side.

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Bhujangasana: Cobra Pose

Bhujangasana: Cobra Pose

ADJUSTMENTS    |     BENEFITS    |     SEQUENCING    |     SANSKRIT    |     STEPS

Bhujangasana (boo-jang-GAHS-anna) is a great way to strengthen the upper back and is often practiced as part of a transition back to downward-facing dog in vinyasa yoga. Practicing cobra pose regularly can improve your lung capacity, reduce stress, and stimulate many of the internal organs in your body.

Philosophy + Origin

Although often perceived as evil or dangerous, snakes also have a rich history of power and worship. In some yoga traditions, the energy of kundalini is represented by a serpent resting coiled at the base of the spine. By awakening this snake, we enliven our body’s energy and create a pathway towards enlightenment. This connection with enlightenment is also seen in many portrayals of the Buddha where he is shown with a cobra over his head.

ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:

  • Option to swap cobra pose for sphinx pose by placing your forearms on the floor.
  • Lengthen the back of the neck to avoid straining the neck and upper back.
  • If you experience discomfort in the lower back, bend the elbows more.
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