There are a handful of yoga postures no practice session should be without. Triangle pose, or Trikonasana in Sanskrit, is one of them - the King of the standing postures.
It may look easy, but getting the alignment right, and ensuring you are not over-extending, is trickier than it looks.
Benefits:
Used in most yoga styles, Triangle pose builds strength in the lower back and upper legs.
* It helps balance, co-ordination and concentration.
* It stretches the hips, ribcage and shoulders, while encouraging a sense of being grounded and controlled.
* Triangle pose can also help relieve symptoms of sciatica, lubricate the hip joints and improve flexibility and strength in the spine.
Pointers to remember:
* Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and step out to the side. Try not to over-reach with your downward facing hand - it's far more important that you are comfortable and your body is flat, than how far down your leg your hand is.
* A common difficulty is remembering to open the upwards facing shoulder up to the ceiling, opening the chest as much as possible. For your alignment, it may help to imagine that you are standing flat against a wall.
* Be aware of your neck. If it is uncomfortable to look up at your raised hand, look straight ahead - whichever option feels right.
Contraindications:
If your knees are sensitive, soften them so your legs are not locked. People with low blood pressure should consult their doctor first.
_0.jpg "Virabhadrasana I")
