Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Today's Twist: Revolved Low Lunge (Parivtta Anjaneyasana)


The Happy Benefits of Revolved Low Lunge (“Twisted Lizard” or “Simple Twist.”) 
Sanskrit: Parivtta Anjaneyasana

There are a lot of names for this wonderful pose.  Why do I like it so much?  First, it’s a twist that helps detoxify your internal organs.  Secondly, it challenges your sense of balance.  Third, it gently elongates your hip flexor.  Fourth, it strengthens your calves, ankles and even your wrists.  Lastly, and maybe most importantly, it’s a heart-opener. 

A nice way to get into Parivtta Anganeyasana is from Downward Facing Dog.  Begin on all fours in a table pose with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.  Press your tail up and back to make yourself look like an upside down letter “V”.  Inhale, lift one leg in the air, then exhale as you bring nose to your knee and step your foot between your hands. 

Keep your back leg flexed.  Place your inside hand flat on the ground.  Breathe in and lift your outside hand to the sky.  Look up or if that seems to stress your neck, simply look straight ahead.  Lean back reaching your raised arm slightly behind you to stretch open your pectorals / chest muscles.  Breathe deeply in and out for three to five breaths.* Then replace your raised hand to frame your front foot, step back into Downward Dog.  Take three deep breaths, then repeat the pose on the other side. 


* If you’re already warmed up and you’d like to increase the intensity of the stretch, do what the monkey is doing in the picture. Bend the elbow of your top hand and place the back of your hand behind you.  Reach your other hand between your legs and if possible, clasp your hands behind your back.  Use the leverage of your arms to twist your chest skyward even more intensely. 

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