Ashtang Yoga - Utthita Trikonasana

Onlymyhealth Editorial Team, Date:2016-06-13

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In Sanskrit, “utthita” means extended, “trikona” means having three angles or triangle and “asana” as you would be aware of is known as pose. This pose is excellent in strengthening your legs, feet and ankles. Besides, it not only stimulates your abdominal organs but also improves your digestion. But to reap its benefits to the fullest, it is important that you perform it correctly. Learn here how to do it step by step- Stand in tadasana. As you exhale, step your feet about 4 feet wide, keeping your feet parallel to each other. Now raise your arms parallel to the floor, reach out to the sides. Your palms should be down. Turn your left foot slightly to the right and your right foot out to the right 90 degrees. Make sure both the heels are in an alignment. Now firm your thighs and turn your right thigh outward so that center of the right knee cap comes in line with the center of the right ankle. As you exhale, extend your torso to the right directly over the plane of the right leg. While doing so, make sure you bend from the hip joint and not the waist. Now anchor this movement by strengthening the left leg and pressing the outer feel firmly to the floor. Rotate the torso to the left and let the left hip come slightly forward. Lengthen your tail bone toward the back heel. Rest your hand on your shin, ankle or the floor outside your right foot, whatever you are more comfortable with. Now stretch your left arm toward the ceiling. Reverse the feet and repeat for the same length of time to the left. Watch this video to learn how to practice utthita trikonasana correctly.