Trikonasana (Triangle pose)

     The basic Trikonasana provides a good stretch of the entire side of the body all the way from hand to foot. It is said to be beneficial for circulation and digestion. It stretches the spine and brings flexibility to spine, hips, and legs. It is great alone or as a warm up for deeper side stretches such as Uttihita trikonasana, Parivritta trikonasana, Uttihita parsvottanasana, and Parivritta parsvottanasana.

How to: Starting from Tadasana, bring feet about 3 feet apart with toes pointing forward. Knees are kept straight throught the pose. Inhaling, raise the right arm straight up toward the ceiling and stretch it up as much as possible. Rest the left hand on the outer left thigh. Exhaling, bend to the left, sliding the left hand down the outer left leg as much as comfortable. Continue looking straight ahead. Breathe normally for 5 breaths. Inhaling, release and repeat on opposite side.