Utthita Parsvakonasana - Side Angle Pose

Utthita Parsvakonasana - Side Angle Pose

This is a simple, yet beautiful pose! Part of the Dancing Warrior Sequence - I can't help but feel happy in Side Angle Pose!

(( For me, the twisting and gaze of the heart up towards the sky, really symbolizes what it feels like to be open, and not only to letting the sunshine in, but letting your shine eminate out! It is such a beautiful asana to add into your practice when you are feeling like you need some self-love, or a small reminder of the shine you have within. ))

Here are it's benefits & why you should add this simple beauty into your practice:

- Strengthens the Inner Thighs, Quads, Groin, Abs, even the Ankles!

- Tests your balance - both physically & mentally. A beatiful mantra to have on & off your mat!

- The slight twist & rotation of your heart & top ribs up towards the sky brings detoxification! Twisting is so beneficial to your digestion, and even your heart & lungs <3

- Like I said above - Emotionally, this pose will open you up towards the sky, letting the sushine in, and reminding you of your own shine!

There are many variations for Side Angle Pose -

1. Resting your forearm on top of your front thigh

2. Placing your hand in front of your front foot (pictured above)

3. Placing your hand behind the front foot

4. Actually lifting & reaching your bottom arm up, parallel with your top arm - for a killer core strengthener!

Today I'm going to share my favorite one, pictured above! I can't help but feel graceful in this simple pose - It reminds me how beauty, grace & simplicity synchronize so lovely!

Follow these basic cues to add some beauty & love into your practice:

(To get into this pose: Come from Virabidrasana II - Warrior 2 Lean forward over your front thigh, place your front fingertips onto the mat, in front of your foot)

All about that Base!

Like every pose, start at the base - in this case, your feet - & be sure you are rooting down in your front heel, and the back pinky toe edge of your back foot!

Then, work your way up - Back quad is strong & engaged, Front knee is at a 90 degree angle (knee over the ankle - no good! knee in line with the ankle - beautiful!)

Work your way up, a bit higher - To avoid collapsing into the front hip & sticking your front booty out - Squeeze your inner thighs in & scoop your front booty forward.

Twist & Shine

Press your bottom fingertips into the floor, arm into front thigh to help lift the torso from resting on your front thigh.

Sweep your top arm over your ear, gaze towards your bottom foot, or, if your neck feels ok doing so, gaze towards the sky.

Slightly rotate your heart & top ribs towards the sky to open up in this pose.

Smile & feel the sunshine!

xoxo

Ash