Parsvakonasana Pose of the month

Parsvakonasana roughly translates to extended ‘flank’ angle pose.

Having studied and practised good posture in January and February with Tadasana and Trikonasana, we progress to this pose, Utthita Parsvakonasana and also use less wall support.

Parsvakonasana is another standing pose where the legs are energised by the earth to be firm and strong, giving more extension to the lower back which in turn allows more rotation for the whole spine.

Stage 1 Back heel against the wall

Start with the left outer heel at the wall and step into the room with the right foot 1.3 metres or more.

• Look and check alignment of feet is right heel to left arch.

• Press left heel into the wall. This helps to keep the lift your left frontal hip bone.

• Bend the right knee as close to a square (90 degrees) as you can

• Take your elbow onto your thigh and stretch out the spine and side ribs as for Trikonasana

• Extend the top arm up vertically.

• Stay steady with smooth breaths as you hold the pose.

Stage 2 Progression in Parsvakonasana

This time we will go deeper, requiring more strength from the legs and more opening from the hips.

Utthita Parsvakonasana with heel support and vertical brick support under the palm.