Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose

Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose / Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

(oo-TEE-tah Has-tah POD-ung-goos-TAWS-uh-ah)

utthita= extended
hasta=hands
padangustha =big toe, foot

1. From Tadasana Mountain pose, bend your right leg and grab on to the big toe of your right root with the index and middle fingers of your right hand. Place you left hand on your left foot.

2. Exhale and extend your leg out in front of you keeping the leg straight and foot flexed with toes pointing upwards to the sky. Your hips remain square to the front and your gaze is forward.

3. Extend your right leg out to the side and either keep your left hand on your hip or extend your left arm out beside you so that both arms form a straight line parallel to the floor.

4. Maintain the pose for a few deep breaths and practice the same steps as above switching to the left leg.

Benefits
-Strengthens legs
-Stretches the entire back leg and improves flexibility
-Improves balance and stability

Cautions
-Ankle injury
-Hamstring strain