Revolved Lunge Pose
Parivrtta Anjaneyasana
STEPS
Revolved Lunge Pose is a twisted variation of crescent lunge. Revolved Lunge Pose opens the heart and detoxifies the whole body, by stimulating the spinal nerves and massaging internal organs. This is a pose available to all levels and styles including pregnancy yoga.
Begin in Tadasana (tall mountain) pose.The feet should be touching, with the hands by your sides. Step the right foot back as far as is comfortable, with heel off the floor, toes grabbing the floor. At the same time, bend the left knee. Press the foot sole into the mat. On the next inhale, raise the arms level to the floor. Place the palms into namaskara (prayer). Stretch the sternum forward, then turn and bring the right elbow to the outside of the left knee. Turn the eye gaze upward. To exit the pose, release the arms, bring the hands to the ground and step the right foot forward. Return to Tadasana. Repeat the other side.
TEACHER QUEUES
VISUALIZATION COMMENTS
Curl the ribs towards the thigh. Press the upper arm against the thigh to gain more extension in shoulders and upper back. Turn the head in the direction of the twist to prevent neck strain. Press the front heel down to align the hip. Bring shoulders away from ears.
TECHNICAL COMMENTS
The lower body is in a lunge. The front knee is directly over the ankle. The hips are square, facing forward. When twisting, press the palms together to keep elbows up and in line.
BENEFIT COMMENTS
- Strengthens arms, back, legs and glutes
- Increases flexibility of spine and back
- Opens chest and improves respiration
- Massages internal organs and stimulates digestion
- Detoxifies and improves energy levels
WATCH OUT FOR
- Hunched shoulders
- Elbows pointing down
- Elbow on inside of thigh
- Compression or strain on neck
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Knee or ankle injuries
- Neck or back injuries
- High blood pressure
- Sciatica
MODIFICATIONS
- Place back knee on floor
- Keep eye gaze ahead
- Place one elbow over knee/the other on hip
VARIATIONS
- Lift back foot and tip into variation of warrior 3
- Place one elbow over thigh/the other raised
- Bring lower hand to back of leg/other raised over head
YOGA COUNTER POSES
- Standing forward bend (uttanasana)
- Downward facing dog (Adho muka svanasana)
- Vinyasa (plank-cobra-dog)
Written By: Brenda Hamlet
Brenda Hamlet is a RYT 200 yoga teacher and journalist. More information about Brenda can be found at https://www.facebook.com/brendahamletyoga