Yoga For You
Ray Madigan and Shelley Choy
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Parivrtta Trikonasana
(Revolved Triangle)
This is a standing pose in which the spine is extended and twisted. Regular practice of Parivrtta Trikonasana will help the legs become strong and elastic, and relieve backaches.
It will be difficult at first to stop your legs from losing the position, even while using a wall for support. Knees will bend, hips will sway out or balance will be lost. With mindful and persistent practice, your legs will gain strength and elasticity, and you will learn to balance. You will in time be able to practice this pose without using the wall for balance.
Mastering this pose brings a tranquil mind-set and infuses one's being with confidence.
1. Stand with your feet together with the wall on your right side, about 18 inches away. Place a yoga block or similar support to the outside of the right ankle.
2. Do not move the right foot as you step the left foot back 4 to 4 1/2 feet. Bring your left heel in line with the right heel and turn your left toes out for balance. Stand evenly on the feet and lift the kneecaps by gripping the thigh muscles.
MANOA YOGA CENTER
The Revolved Triangle pose helps strengthen legs.
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3. Turn the trunk to the right and bring your hands to the wall for support. Do not let your pelvis and legs turn; keep your legs straight and knees pointing forward.
4. Inhale and lift your torso up. Keep this lift as you exhale and move your left hand to the block.
5. Bring your head, spine and center of the perineum in a straight line. Do not let your hips swing toward the wall. Take your head back so that it does not curl toward the wall.
6. Keep your legs straight as you rotate waist and spine until your chest faces the wall. Press your right hand against the wall to help keep balance and assist in the twist.
7. Stay for a few cycles of breath, then inhale and come up, reversing the previous steps.
8. Turn so your left side faces the wall. Practice on the other side, with the left foot forward.
Ray Madigan and
Shelley Choy are certified Iyengar Yoga teachers and co-direct the Manoa Yoga Center at Manoa Marketplace. Visit
www.manoayoga.com or call 382-3910. Manoa Yoga Center, the authors and the Star-Bulletin take no responsibility for any injury arising from the practice of these yoga postures. Readers should seek a doctor's approval before commencing this yoga practice.