Yoga Chikitsa · Primary · Standing Sequence
Utthita Parsvakonasana
Extended side angle
What it is
Utthita Parsvakonasana, or extended side angle, is the fifth pose of the Primary standing sequence.
What it looks like
From a wide stance, the front knee bends to about a right angle, stacked over the ankle. The lower hand goes to the floor beside the front foot and the upper arm reaches over the ear, making one long line from the back foot to the fingertips. The pose is held for five breaths on each side.
Why it is practised
It works the legs and stretches the side of the body, asking you to stay strong in the bent leg while keeping length through the torso.
What to pay attention to
Keep the front knee over the ankle, not collapsing inward. Press the outer edge of the back foot into the mat. If the hand does not reach the floor comfortably, rest the forearm on the thigh instead.
Who it suits
It suits most practitioners, including beginners, with the forearm-on-thigh option. In Mysore-style practice a teacher shows you suitable variations as you learn — you can work on this in private sessions.
Next in the sequence: Parivrtta Parsvakonasana.
Front knee over the ankle.
A long line from the back foot to the upper hand.
Practise this Primary pose in a Mysore-style room, or in a private session in Dubai or online.
See session formats, upcoming dates and the shala.