TRIKANASANA: Triangle Pose

BENEFITS:

An excellent cardiovascular workout
Slims waistline
Opens and increases flexibility of hip joints and opens shoulder joints
Helps kidneys, thyroid and adrenal glands
Strengthens and tones legs and buttocks
Helps regulate hormone levels
Helps conditions of constipation, colitis, low blood pressure, appendicitis and menstrual disorders
Also helps rheumatism of the lower spine

TIPS:

Lighten the weight in the bent leg by bringing weight into the strait leg – roll the outside of the foot into the floor
The bent leg should eventually make a 90 degree angle
Push the bent knee away from the mirror until you feel the hip opening as a result
Stretch the middle finger of each hand in opposite directions, lengthening the arms and opening the chest
Flex the though of the straight leg to solidify stance
Like ‘Balancing Stick Pose’ try to maintain the slow breathing and calm demeanor
In more difficult postures we are re-learning how to react to challenging situations – our instinct is to breathe fast and hold stress
After practice the body learns slow and calm your breathing in challenging situations – both in and outside of class