Other Names
Seated Wide Legged Straddle Posture, Wide leg seated pose, Upavishtha-Kona-Asana, Upvishth Kon Asan, Upavista-Konasana
Description
In Sanskrit Upavistha means seated or sitting, Kona means angle and Asana means pose. Upavistha-Konasana translates to Seated Angle Pose. In English, this forward bend pose is often referred to as “Wide Angle Forward Bend”. Upavistha-Konasana is a good preparation for most other seated forward bends and twists, as well as for the wide-legged standing poses.
How to reach the stretch
- From Staff Pose – Dandasana, open the legs out as wide as is comfortable.
- Keep the thigh muscles engaged and the feet flexed.
- Make sure the toes are pointing straight up to the ceiling.
- Press the legs down into the floor and then bend forward touching your feet.
- Stay in the posture for a while and then release.
How to release the stretch
Benefits
- This pose is useful to women for menstruation and pregnancy.
- Men may find it useful for a hip releasing posture.
- Sciatica may be relieved with hamstring stretching.
- Those suffering from arthritis may find relief.
- Kidneys are detoxified.
- Groin muscles are released.
- The brain is calmed.