Our featured yoga pose of the week is triangle pose. This is a standing pose that is great for both strengthening and stretching. It focuses on the hamstrings, groin and hips, which are a commonly tight area for lots of people! Triangle pose is also very accessible as it can be modified to suit your level of mobility.
Directions:
- First, start standing with both feet together. If you struggle with balance, you might want to be near a wall in case you’d like to use it for support.
- Next, step your left foot back and turn your left toes to the left side. Turn your hips to the left as well. Your right toes should still be facing front.
- The amount you step back will depend on your level of flexibility, but you want to aim for about one leg-length.
- Bring both hands to your hips and keep weight equal on both feet.
- Keep your hips square to the left and shift your hips back towards your left foot as you reach your torso over to the right foot.
- You can place your right hand gently on your thigh or shin. If you feel stable, you can also extend your left arm up towards the ceiling.
- Breathe deeply and hold for around 30 seconds to 1 minute. Come out slowly the same way you got it.
- Make sure to do both sides!
Tips:
- Try not to place your hand directly on your knee when in this pose. Too much force on the knee joint can be unsafe.
- If you want to make this pose more strengthening for the core and more of a challenge, try to extend the arm that is resting on your leg out towards the front. This will force your core muscles to work much harder!
- Always be sure to listen to your body. If something is not feeling right, pull back.
