Strength, Stability, Presence, and Patience
By Karen Watson Reeves
In some circles, this pose is more commonly referred to as Pyramid pose, but whichever name you prefer, Parsvottanasana (the Sanskrit name for the pose) can be perplexing. It is half-way between Triangle (usually with a shorter stance than Triangle pose) and Revolved Triangle. It is a forward bend. It feels like a balancing pose, even though both feet are on the ground. It requires strength, stability, presence and patience to stay in the pose.
Intense Side Stretch Pose creates a deep stretch along the hamstrings, so can be particularly beneficial to runners before or after a race.
For those with tight hamstrings, the front knee can be bent slightly. As the hamstrings warm and stretch the leg can be slowly straightened.
The pose can be quite a shoulder and wrist stretch when the hands are folded behind the shoulder blades in reverse prayer. If that “full pose” (as shown in the photo) is too challenging, the practitioner can hold opposite elbows instead, or lower the fingertips to either side of the front foot, using blocks if the mat is unreachable.
Typically, the pose is practiced with heel-to-heel alignment, which challenges one’s balance. Try focusing on strength and stability before flexibility. Even though the pose is part forward bend in nature, don’t compromise the balance to get deeper into the forward bend. Another modification is to take the feet hip width apart to allow more room for the hips as well as making for easier balance.
Other benefits include strengthening the abdominal organs, stretching the spine, strengthening the legs, lengthening the sides of the chest (hence the name Intense Side Stretch) and, like all forward bends, calming the brain and soothing the nerves. Intense Side Stretch is challenging! But remind yourself to honor where you are and practice with modifications. Intensity can be a good thing!
Karen Watson Reeves was born and raised in Mount Holly and has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher in 2011 and has travelled Arkansas teaching her passion.
She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle.
For more information go to: www.theyogaplacehs.com.
