Building strength · follow along

Extended Side Angle

Utthita Parsvakonasana

A long, strong side stretch. Rest your forearm on your thigh or a hand on a block, whichever lets you keep length through your side.

4 gentle steps · about a minute

Step 1 of 4

Step your feet wide

Step your feet wide apart and turn your right foot out to point along the mat.

Ground through both feet.

Step 2 of 4

Bend your right knee so it stacks over your ankle, keeping your back leg strong.

Sink steadily.

Step 3 of 4

Rest your right forearm on your thigh or a hand to a block, and sweep your left arm over your ear to make one long line from heel to fingertips.

Lengthen the whole side.

Step 4 of 4

Stay for a few breaths, keeping your chest open, then come up and try the other side.

Open chest, easy breath.

All steps complete

That is Extended Side Angle. Feel the line of energy from your heel to your fingertips. Here is Michelle in the full pose.

Good for: Stretches the side body and groin and strengthens the legs.