Utthita Pārśvakonāsana (Extended Side-Angle Pose) is a key foundational posture in Ashtanga Yoga that builds strength, stability, and lateral flexibility. In my Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga Online Course, we break down essential postures like this with a focus on safe alignment, functional anatomy, and breath awareness—perfect for those beginning their journey or seeking to deepen an existing practice.
This pose is far more than a stretch—it’s a gateway to understanding the body’s fascial lines and energetic flow. Considered a “moola” or root posture, Utthita Pārśvakonāsana prepares the body for more advanced poses across the Ashtanga Yoga series, from Jānuśīrṣāsana and Baddhakoṇāsana in the Primary Series to Viśvamitrāsana in Advanced A.
Why It’s a Focus in the Yoga Online Course:
- Strengthens the core and spine while developing hip mobility.
- Engages the lateral fascial line—essential for healthy backbending and side-body expansion.
- Teaches the powerful duality of grounding through the legs while lengthening through the spine.
Practice Tips From the Course:
- Ground the heels and lift through the arches to activate leg muscles and protect the knees.
- Firm the outer edge of the back foot, extend through the top arm, and visualize a line of energy along your side body.
- Distribute your weight evenly and use a block if needed to maintain space and alignment.
- Rotate the chest toward the ceiling and breathe into your side ribs to open intercostal muscles.
- After aligning, release effort—find balance between rooting and rising.
By learning to embody postures like Utthita Pārśvakonāsana with clarity, you build a practice that is both safe and sustainable. Join my Yoga online course to explore the principles of Ashtanga Yoga with structure, insight, and more than 25 years of experience
Introduction To Ashtanga Yoga – Integrated Therapy Work
