Intense Side Stretch Pose
The intense side stretch pose is an intermediate pose. It may be difficult for a beginner to stretch the body as required by the pose.
Stand in mountain pose. Exhale and bring your right leg to the front maintaining a 4feet distance between both your feet. Align your heels in a straight line so that they are one behind the other ensuring the distance between them is still 4 feet. Place your hands on your hips. Slightly turn your feet out at an angle.
Intense Side Stretch Pose
Firm your calves and your thighs. Slightly rotate your torso to the right. Bend your torso backwards slightly, exhale and bend your body towards your right leg from the groins. Once your torso is parallel to the ground, release your hands from your waist and rest your fingertips on the floor right next to your body. They should be placed in between your legs but next to your body, by the sides of your hips.
Press your fingertips firmly on the ground and slowly bring our torso to rest on your thigh. Rest your forehead on the right leg. Press the leg which is in the front towards the floor and dispense the weight of your body equally between both your legs. Press your tailbone and pelvis towards the floor while in intense side stretch pose.
Time to remain in intense side stretch pose
Remain in this position for at least 30 seconds and return to the mountain pose. Repeat the same pose with the other leg.
Benefits of the intense side stretch pose
- Intense Side Stretch pose stretches the spine, shoulders and the wrists
- It stretches the hips and the ham strings
- Improves posture
- Enhances a sense of balance
- It eases stress and calms the brain
- Stimulates the abdominal organs
Therapeutically intense side stretch pose fights flat feet and improves digestion.
As beginner, if you are unable to bring your fingertips or your hands to rest on the floor you can use blocks for support. You may not be able to bring your torso to rest on your thigh, so you can stop the position once your torso and head are parallel to the ground.Keep practicing intense side stretch pose to master it.
