Balance Dedicated to the Sage Vasistha

Balance Dedicated to the Sage Vasistha / Vasisthasana

(vah-sish-TAHS-anna)

Vasistha= a sage; most excellent, best, richest

 

1. Start in plank position. Be sure that your hands are slightly in front of your shoulders, your core is engaged and your pelvis is tucked in. Engage your legs.

2. Simultaneously, roll your weight to the outside edge of your left foot and the inside edge of your right foot.  As you shift your weight, lift your right arm up to the sky palm facing the same direction as your chest. Keep your shoulders stacked upon one another with your arms extending in a straight line. Lift your hips up high and keep your torso in a straight line with your hips and legs. Resist the temptation to collapse your hips inwards.

3. Stack your feet, your right foot on top of your left foot and balance on the outside edge of your left foot.  Bend your right leg and grab on to your big toe with your right hand and extend your right leg up to the sky. Keep your hips lifted up high. Turn your head and gaze at your big toe in the sky.

4. Maintain the pose for 15-60 seconds. Release the foot and lower down into plank. Practice again this time switching sides.

 

Benefits
- Strengthens the external obliques, abdominals, core. Strengthens the arms, triceps, deltoids and wrists
- Develops coordination with the upper and lower halves of our bodies
- Stretches the hamstrings.

Cautions
- Carpal tunnel
- Ankle injury