Uttitha Hasta Padangusthasana
Again we have several plots involved in the story of this pose balancing on one leg, intensely stretching the lifted leg, extending the back to maintain the body erect, and contracting the muscles of the arm to lift the foot. Even the action of the big toe that is being held is a subplot. Then there is the mental aspect of staying calm to maintain balance.
This is aided by focusing on the breath the underlying story in all of the asanas. Balance the action of the person, which presses the ball of the foot into the floor, with the action of the tibialis posterior, which spreads the weight across the sole of the foot. Essentially all of the lower leg and foot muscles help to create a firm foundation for the pose.
The key to success in this posture is actively flexing the hip of the lifted leg. The tendency is to use the hand and arm to lift the foot.
Key Takeaways
- Again we have several plots involved in the story of this pose balancing on one leg, intensely stretching the lifted leg, extending the back to maintain the body erect, and contracting the muscles of the arm to lift the foot.
- Even the action of the big toe that is being held is a subplot.
- Then there is the mental aspect of staying calm to maintain balance.
- This is aided by focusing on the breath the underlying story in all of the asanas.
- Balance the action of the person, which presses the ball of the foot into the floor, with the action of the tibialis posterior, which spreads the weight across the sole of the foot.
