Pose of the month - Utthitha Trikonasana
Utthitha Trikonasana (extended triangle pose) - is one of the basic standing poses we learn as beginner yoga students. It may look and even feel easy at first, but after more than 10 years I'm still refining and working on it and I'm always discovering a little more space and stability each time...
On a physical level Trikonasana provides a great whole body workout - strengthening and stretching the entire spine, shoulders, neck, arms, chest, hips, groins, ankles, knees, hamstrings and legs. It will also help improve your balance, circulation and concentration.
Basic Instructions: standing with your legs out wide, turn your right foot and leg to the right. Take the left heel out wider so the toes are slightly turned in. Stretch both arms out at shoulder height and remain facing forward. Keeping both legs straight, reach out to the right and bend at the hip. Bring your right hand onto the shin and reach the top arm up. Turn the chest and face to the top hand and hold for 20 - 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Suitable for all levels - take height (such as a block) under your bottom hand or work with your back to the wall for added support, if needed.
