Utthita Trikonasana
utthita = extended
trikona = triangle
About the pose:
Utthita Trikonasana uses the legs to firmly ground the lower body (creating a triangle with the floor) and through the vertically extended arms it rotates and stretches the upper body (creating a triangle between the front foot and grounded hand). It promotes body awareness of the actions and interconnections between legs, hips and spine. For a detailed 3D image of the pose, click on ‘trikonasana’: http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html
Key muscle groups:
The primary muscles stretched in this pose are the front-leg hamstrings and the upper-side abdominal and back muscles. The primary muscles strengthened in this pose are the front and back leg quadriceps (thighs) and the back leg gluteal muscles.
Benefits:
– improves the flexibility of the spine and alleviates back tension
– strengthens the legs and ankles
– promotes good digestion as it tones the pelvic organs
– opens the hips and spine
Enjoy your practice 🙂
Namaste, Evelyn
