Inner Spring Yoga instructors Carrie Klaus (front) and Lydia Lagenour demonstrate Extended Triangle Pose.
Stretch into this first full week of October with Inner Spring Yoga instructor Carrie Klaus, who explains the benefits of Extended Triangle Pose below. You can learn more from Carrie – who co-owns Inner Spring Yoga, which has locations in Jeffersonville and New Albany, with her husband Rob – and her staff in person at one of the two studio locations. Find out more at www.isyoga.me.
- Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana)
- Stretches entire leg from hip to ankle
- Stimulates abdominal organs and improves digestion
- Relieves back ache and is therapeutic for osteoporosis
Begin standing with your feet 3 to 4 feet apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees with your right knee centered with your right ankle. Adjust your feet so your heels are aligned with one another.
Reach your arms up and out at shoulder height. Extend your torso to the right, press your left outer heel into the floor and fold from your hip crease (not your waist), dropping your right hand to your shin, your ankle, or the floor. Stack your left shoulder over your right and extend your left arm toward the ceiling, turn your palm in the same direction as your face.
Breathe through your nose and focus on keeping the right side of your torso as long as you can.
Release pose by turning your gaze to the floor and hinging up from the hips. Repeat on second side
**Tip: Find length and opening in the pose by practicing at a wall. Stand with your back to the wall, and once you’ve entered the pose try to touch the back of your body to the wall behind you.
NOTES
- All asymmetrical yoga poses should be done on both sides to maintain balance in the body.
- Breath should remain slow and calm while holding postures. Try to lengthen the inhalation and the exhalation and keep them equal in length.
- Poses can be held for 3-5 breaths each.
- Always seek the advice of your health care provider before beginning any new physical activity and visit a trained yoga instructor to ensure proper technique and alignment.
