Revolved side angle pose, or Utthita Parsvakonasana in the Sanskrit language, is an excellent balancing pose that strengthens your ankles, legs and core muscles. The twist in the upper torso stretches and lengthens the spine while aiding in digestion. This pose also gives you the added benefits of Warrior I and Crescent Lunge poses.
How to Do Revolved Side Angle
- Begin in Mountain pose. Step the feet wider than hip width apart. Point the right out 90 degrees and turn the left foot in 45 degrees. Bend the right knee to a 90-degree angle. Exhale and rotate your torso to the right. Begin to lean your torso toward your front thigh. Carefully bring your left elbow to the outer portion of your right thigh.
- While pressing your upper left arm against your thigh, turn your chest to the right.
- Press the palm of your left hand into the floor or a block, if needed. Reach the right hand up to the sky then over the top of your head. Align your right bicep over your right ear as you continue reaching the fingertips further.
- Keep the body in one straight line as your back heel, hips, spine, and head align together.
- Turn your gaze to the ceiling and you continue to lengthen the whole body. Breathe.
- Hold the pose for up to one minute. To release, inhale and return to Warrior I. Pause to get your balance. On your exhale, bring both hands to the mat and come into Downward Dog. Step your left foot between your hands and repeat the pose on the opposite side.
