Extended Side Angle Pose

Utthita Parsvakonasana

Extended Side Angle Pose is a standing pose with a deeply bent front knee and the torso extending long over the front leg from hip to fingertips. It strengthens the legs and opens the hips while creating one continuous line along the side body. The bottom hand reaches to the floor as the top arm sweeps overhead.

Alignment cues

• Bend the front knee over the ankle to a right angle
• Reach the bottom hand down beside the front foot
• Extend the top arm over the ear in one long line

Benefits

• Strengthens the legs and opens the hips
• Stretches the side body from hip to fingertips
• Builds stamina in the legs

Modifications

• Rest the forearm on the front thigh instead of hand to floor
• Use a block under the bottom hand