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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