 |
| Lizard Pose |
Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana), is a deep hip opener that prepares the body for more advanced postures.
From downward facing dog, the yogi steps one foot forward and outside of the hand before lowering the forearms to the floor. The pose opens the hips and stretches the hamstrings.
Benefits of Lizard Pose
Because we sit all day, lizard pose is an ideal stretch that can open the hips. This asana increases range of motion and flexibility.
The lizard-like posture in the pose is ideal for runners, bikers or anyone with tight or stiff hips. While beginners can try it, the lizard pose does take some time to get into. It’s a split-leg technique that opens the hips but the specific posture can prove challenging.
Try lizard pose to stretch and open your hips, inner groin muscles and hip flexors. Additionally, lizard pose is ideal for lengthening the spine and opening the chest wall. You will also find that with this pose, you can learn to stretch and increase the range of motion with your hip flexors and your quadriceps. The added benefit is that beginners can attempt the pose. However, give yourself time to fully relax and get into a deep stretch with the pose to avoid injury.
The Lizard yoga pose is a recommended asana for opening the hips. Often those who enjoy pigeon pose will try lizard yoga pose because it requires similar techniques and movements.
With the open lizard stretch, you’ll find that the stretch with this particular move is so deep. To achieve it, make sure you keep your head up and don’t let your chest collapse. While in this pose, focus on your breathing and work on your pose without rushing through this complex technique.
It helps reducing low back pain and it offers relief to hips especially if you have tired or stiff hips from sitting for extended periods.
To Do:
Come to Downward Dog, Take a deep breath in. Exhale, step your right foot in between your hands. Drop your left knee, release your back foot and slide it back. Bring your right hand inside your right foot and walk your right foot out to the edge of the mat. Relax into the stretch.
To Release, Take a deep breath in. Exhale, tuck your back toes and step back to Downward Dog for the other side.
If you have the flexibility in your hips, you can come down onto your forearms and interlace your fingers.
Hold the pose for 1 to 3 Min.
 |
| Lizard Pose Variation |