10/18/2026
Good morning!
Let's take a look at a pose that many people struggle with: Extended Side Angle, Utthita Parsvakonasana.
This is a perfect picture because you can look at a few variations at the same time.
#1 for me is always breathing, and we can't hear or see that in a photo, so the rest is purely about the shape of the pose.
Here are a few things that I look for structurally:
1. Right knee over ankle.
2. Hand outside of foot, even if it's on a block or elbow on knee. Entrance and Exit are about strengthening the hip.
3. Left leg straight (but not locked)
4. Straight line from left foot to the finger tips, like a 2x4 is laying on the side of the body.
>>> Proportions, strength, leg distance and flexibility are all factors that need to be considered for each student.
