Utthita Parsvakonasana, also known by many as the Extended Side Angle Pose, is a standing pose in which all the body muscles are utilized. Parsvakonasana can accommodate various levels of flexibility, and this pose also has several variations. This pose is considered a base pose, and it is beneficial to boost energy in our body, while one can include it in flow yoga sequences.
Extended Side Angle pose instructions
- Begin by standing and keeping the feet two to three feet apart. Turn the right foot down by pointing the left foot forward. Make sure that the arch of your left foot is in line with the right heel.
- By bending the right knee to the right angle, bring the right side of your body towards the top of the right thigh, and then get the right hand towards the ground.
- Reach your left arm and fingertips up and over the head in a playful manner, feel the stretch on the left body side from toes to tips.
- By using a little energy, you can open the chest from the right elbow by pressing into the right knee, and with the same effort, the right knee pressing into your elbow. You have to work it with balance.
- For five deep breaths, stay in this position, and as you stand, try to inhale and repeat it on the other side.
Benefits of Utthita Parsvakonasana
This particular pose is a combination of both Virabhadrasana II and Trikonasana. Therefore, the benefits derived from this pose are quite similar to the practice of these two poses. The following are some of Utthita Parsvakonasana’s benefits.
- Strengthens our legs
This pose mainly focuses on the alignment of legs, and with the ankle, hip, knee, and foot positions, the muscles are enhanced, and the strength of the entire leg is gained. To strengthen the overall lower body, the deep stretching of the leg is also helpful.
- Flexes the joints
By stretching deep at your knee, ankle, and hip, this pose improves the joints’ flexibility and makes the legs stronger for the poses that are further advanced. When the joints are strengthened and flexed, it can be very advantageous for all the other balancing poses when you are standing.
- Opens the chest and the shoulders
The upper body position adds to the chest’s complete opening is quite a simple twist while taking the shoulder back and out. The muscles are expanded by stretching the arm around the chest and the shoulders. This offers quick energy to the entire body and improves breathing.
- Gives strength to overall body muscles
The Extended Side Angle pose can give an overall toning to your body by toning the muscles around the arms, chest, hips, abdomen, and legs. This is very helpful to build strength and stamina.
- Reduces backaches
It is essential to understand the body movement when practicing Utthita Parsvakonasana to get the maximum benefit. This posture adds beauty to your overall body while healing the backaches when practiced regularly. Keep in mind that if the alignment gets wrong, it can be more harmful than being curable.
Bottom Line
Parsvakonasana is capable of opening the body in new ways. It is vital that throughout the pose, your breath is kept smooth. When you focus on your breath, you must allow your emotions and mind to open up. By practicing a challenging pose like the Extended Side Angle pose this way, there is no doubt that you will be having a deep awareness of how yoga unites your mind, body, and spirit.