Utthita Parsvakonasana

Utthita Parsvakonasana or Extended Side Angle Pose, is a yoga posture that opens the hips (front leg at the inner thigh and back leg at the hip flexor.) The pose also lengthens and stretches the entire top side of the body and similar to most poses, the pose resembles the name; with the top edge of the body creating an angle with the floor beginning at the back foot and extending through the fingers on the top arm.

Extended Side Angle Pose is a great pose where the yoga block can come in handy to lengthen the reach of the supporting arm and make the pose more accessible and comfortable for the practitioner. Use a yoga block, underneath the bottom arm, at block height that allows you to have a long line on the top side of the body. For some it may be best to use the tallest edge of the block; for others the lowest edge might be best (shown here.)

Breathe deeply as you hold, enjoy and stay present in Extended Side Angle Pose!

Shanti.