Trikonasana: October Yoga Pose of the Month

Stretches ankles, legs, hips, hamstrings, shoulders and spine; opens chest, engages and strengthens abdominals, spine and back

Triangle (Sanskrit:  Trikonasana)

Begin in Mountain with feet hip distance. Step left foot back with front heel to back arch alignment. Root the back edge of your left foot into the ground/floor/mat. Torso is tall and crown of head is reaching towards the sky with hands on hip creases.

Extend arms so they are parallel to floor with palms facing down. As you inhale, reach front arm forward like someone is pulling you, cutting in at front hip crease. Make sure you don’t lock out your front knee. A micro-bend in that leg works nicely.

With core engaged, begin to reach your right fingers for a block located on the outside of right ankle or you can use your leg as a prop. To do so, place your right fingers on either the thigh or lower right leg without locking the knee. Your left arm is reaching up to sky and chest is open to side and top shoulder is open. Your body should feel as if it is between two panes of glass.

Gaze can look down, out or up. Keep equal weight in both feet while tucking hips forward. This is a great pose to do against a wall.

Breathe and hold for 3-5 breaths. Repeat on other side.

Namaste – The light within me honors the grace and wisdom within you.