New pose · Opening the hips
Side Lunge Skandasana
Skanda, the warrior god · Asana, posture
A pose that moves the hips side to side, a direction most days never use. How to do it, what it does, and what to do if it is hard, all on one page.
PDF · 1 page · 0.5 MB
What it does
- Lengthens the inner thighs and the hamstrings of the straight leg.
- Strengthens the thighs and glutes of the bent leg.
- Moves the hips side to side, a direction most days never use.
- Builds steadiness low to the ground, one side at a time.
If this is hard
Keep the bend shallow and set blocks under your hands, or hold the seat of a sturdy chair in front of you. If the bent heel lifts, slide a rolled blanket under it.
Go easy with knee, hip or pelvic pain. Keep the bend small, and come out if you feel it in the joint rather than the muscle.
Keep it by your mat with your Ten Poses to Begin With booklet.
Yoga is education and support, not medical care. Talk with your doctor before starting something new, especially if you are pregnant, injured, or managing a health condition. See the Terms.