Utthita Parsvakonasana – Extended Side Angle Pose

Utthita Parsvakonasana or extended side angle pose strengthens the thighs, hips, knees and ankle. In Sanskrit, Utthita means extended, Parsva means side, Kona means angle and Asana means a pose. Utthita Parsvakonasana builds stamina and endurance.

How to do Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)?

1. Stand in Tadasana with hands relaxed by the sides.
2. Move the right leg to about 3 – 4 feet apart.
3. Turn the right foot towards the right with toes pointing straight to the right.
4. Exhale and bend the right knee. Bring the trunk to rest on the right thigh.
5. Place the right hand on the ground beside the right foot.
6. Inhale and stretch the left arm over the head with the biceps touching the left ear.
7. Gaze at the tip of the fingers of the left hand.
8. Maintain this final pose for as long as you are comfortable. There should be right angle between the thigh and the leg and the other leg should not bend at the knees. Both the soles should be in contact with the ground.
9. To release the pose, bring the left hand back to the side of the left thighs. Pull yourself up to straighten the right leg. Come back to Tadasana with both feet together.
10. The same can be repeated on the left side.

 

Benefits of Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)

1. Utthita Parvakonasana strengthens the thighs, the knees, legs and ankles.
2. It is good for developing stamina and endurance
3. It develops the sense of balance.
4. It tones the organs in the abdomen and improves intestinal peristalsis, relieving constipation.
5. It expands the thorax improving lung capacity.
6. Utthita Parvakonasana stretches the waist and the groin muscles.

 

Contraindications for Utthita Parsvakonasana

Those with cardiac problems should avoid doing Utthita Parvakonasana. Also, do not do this asana if you have any injury of the knees, hips and shoulders or ankle. Avoid this if you have high or low blood pressure problems.