Try the triangle

Try the triangle

Kamala Venkat takes us through an elementary standing pose, Trikonasana, that is beneficial for  beginners as well as advanced practitioners 

Trikonasana is also known as Triangle  Pose. In Sanskrit, ‘trikona’ means ‘triangle’ and ‘asana’ means ‘posture.’  

This is one of the basic standing poses that can  benefit your physical and mental health. As  you lower one of your hands towards the floor  

and keep your feet grounded on the mat, the  final position of this pose takes the shape of a  

triangle. 

Method  

•  Start this pose by standing straight with  

your hands by the sides of your thighs. 

•  Slowly extend your legs apart. (The distance  

between your legs should be a little more  

than the span of your shoulders.)  

•  Inhale and lift both your arms sideways up  

to your shoulder height. (Your arms and  

shoulders should be in one line.) 

•  Slowly turn your right foot 90 degrees  and your left foot 45 degrees towards the  right side. (Both legs and knees should be  straight.) 

•  Exhale and slowly bring your right arm  down along your right side while keeping  both arms straight, and slide your right arm  down along your right leg till your fingers  are at your ankle. (You can place your right  palm on a block, on the ankle, or on the mat;  it depends on your flexibility.) Keep your  left arm also straight and pointing towards  the ceiling by rotating your ribcage. (Both  hands and shoulders should be in one line.) 

•  Slowly turn your head and gaze towards  your left arm. 

•  Keep your face relaxed and breathe gently.  Stay in this pose for 15–20 seconds. 

•  Inhale and straighten your body back to the  centre, and then repeat on the other side. 

Benefits 

•  Increases stability and balance 

•  Stretches and lengthens the spine •  Opens the hips and shoulders 

Contraindications 

•  Neck, spine, or joint injury or surgery •  Low blood pressure and headache