Article By: Megan Stremick
Pose:
Chair Pose
Utkatasana
We all know how to sit down in a chair, we do it everyday, but what would happen if we took the chair away and just pretended to sit down? We’d all have thighs and a butt like Jessica Alba, that’s what! This pose helps to shape your butt, thighs, and back as well as chest and shoulders, try to hold the pose for at least 30 seconds, if not longer, at a time and you will see great results. So, take a seat… just leave out the chair!
Utkatasana Benefits:
- Stretches the torso, shoulders, and chest
- Strengthens the ankles, calves, thighs, and spine
- Stimulates the internal organs, improving digestion
- Beneficial for those with flat feet
Utkatasana How To:
- Begin standing with your feet together and arms by your sides.
- Inhale the arms up, biceps nest to your ears and palms facing each other. Relax your shoulders down.
- Exhale and bend your knees keeping the weight of the body back in the heels (so much so that you can wiggle your toes). You are slightly bent forward at the hip hinge but the chest stays lifted keeping your spine lone.
- Imagine you have a string attached from your tailbone to your heels—this will help you from sticking your butt out and arching in your lower back.
- Hold for 30 seconds to a minute then straighten the legs, release the hands back by your side and stand straight up.
Utkatasana Caution:
Be mindful not to do this pose if you have severe headaches, insomnia, or low blood pressure.
Other Yoga Made Easy Poses: