25 Aug Yoga Pose of the Month – August

Triangle Pose has been my favorite pose of the month! Creating length and space in those harder to reach parts of my body with some slow longer deeper holds has been incredible!

How to Get into Triangle Pose 

• Step right foot back back from Mountain Pose, one leg length placing the foot to a 90 degree angle.
• With torso facing the side of your mat, extend arms energetically away from each other and parallel to the ground feeling the muscles of the arm engage.
• Reach your left hip towards the back of your mat, and extend your right hand forwards towards the top of your mat.
• Keep equal length in your side body and slowly start to release your hand to lightly rest along the thigh, shin, ankle, ground or onto a block.
• Drawing your left shoulder back to open the side body and chest, reach your left hand up towards to sky with strong fingers.
• Ensure you are one long line of energy with shoulders stacked towards being on top of each other, and head, shoulders and hips in one straight line.

Modifications 

If it isn’t possible to comfortably touch the floor with the bottom hand or fingertips, support the palm lightly onto a block.

How Long Should I Hold it?

Stay in this pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute to feel the full strength (around 5-10 breaths).

Benefits of the pose

• Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles;
• Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, and calves, shoulders, chest, and spine;
• Stimulates the abdominal organs;
• Strengthens the core muscles;
• Helps relieve stress;
• Improves digestion.

 Variations

Beginners Tip – rest the back of your torso against a wall if you feel unsteady in the pose.

To Deepen – instead of stretching the top arm toward the ceiling, stretch it over the back of the top ear, parallel to the floor.

If you experience neck problems currently – don’t turn your head to look upward, instead look straight forward or towards the ground.