Utkatasana

Parivrtta Utkatasana

Eka Pada Utkatasana

Padangustha Padma Utkatasana

Utkatasana

OOT-kah-TAHS-anna

“utkata” = powerful, fierce

Intense Powerful Pose or Fierce Pose

Also known as: Chair Pose

In Bikram Hot Yoga, called: Awkward Pose

Parivrtta Utkatasana

Revolved Chair Pose

Eka Pada Utkatasana

One Legged Chair Pose

Padangustha Padma Utkatasana

Half Lotus Toe Balance

Dharma Mittra calls this Ardha Prapadasana (Half Bound Tiptoe Pose) 

In Bikram Hot Yoga, called Toe Stand Pose: Padangustasana

Heart of Poses

• Stabilization
• Heat-Building
• One Legged Versions: Hip Stretch
• Revolved Version: Twist

See Also

• Asana Categories
• General Alignment Principles
• Alignment Cueing

Effects / Benefits

People Experience Poses Differently

• The following effects may be associated with this pose.
• Knowing such common effects is typically useful for planning sequences. However, since there are no universal truths in how different people experience poses, please use caution with this information.
• For example, rather than telling students what to expect when practicing a pose or technique, you may wish to invite them to take note of effects on their breathing and their mind, and what they feel in their body.

See Also

• Wise Word Choice
• Inclusive & Accepting Word Choice
• Asana Categories Hub
• Planning & Sequencing Hub

Energy, Mood, Emotion

Effects to energy, mood or emotion may include the following.

• Heating
• Energizing
• Strengthens willpower, determination
• Develops endurance
• Stabilizing
• Inspires feeling of being grounded

Inner Body

Inner body effects may include the following.

• “Massages” abdominal organs
• “Builds digestive fire”
• “The diaphragm is lifted up and this gives a gentle massage to the heart” (BKS Iyengar)
• Stimulates circulatory and metabolic systems