Strengthen Your Legs With The Triangle Posture -Trikonasana

Trikona means triangle. Tri means three and kona is an angle. As the āsana resembles three-armed triangles made by the trunk and the limbs, it has been named Trikonāsana.

Technique

• Stand with your feet comfortably apart.
• Slowly raise both arms sideways till they are horizontal.
• Exhale and slowly bend to the right side. Place the right hand just behind the right foot.
• Keep the left arm straight up, in line with the right arm.
• Turn the left palm forward.
• Turn your head and gaze at the tip of the left middle finger.
• Remain in the posture for 10–30 seconds with normal breathing.
• As you inhale, slowly come up.
• Repeat for the left side.

Benefits

• Prevents flat foot.
• Strengthens calf, thigh and waist muscles.
• Makes the spine flexible and improves lung capacity.

A Word of Caution

• Avoid this posture in case of slipped disc, sciatica, or after undergoing abdominal surgery.
• Do not go beyond your limits or overdo the lateral stretch.
• If one cannot touch the feet, one can reach for the knees instead.

(AYUSH, Govt. Of India)