Utkatasana, also known as the Chair Pose, is a standing yoga asana. It originated as a squatting asana in medieval hatha yoga, but has now become a common standing asana. Learn the benefits of this asana and how to get started with the practice. The chair pose Utkatasana is a challenging leg strengthening pose that prepares you for other seated postures. Utkatasana is often referred to as the “Thunderbolt Pose” or “Powerful Pose,” and is also a meditation on perseverance.
The Benefits of Chair Pose Utkatasana
Chair pose strengthens the legs and arms and helps improve the health of the diaphragm. It also improves digestion and detoxification. The pose also tones the entire spine and stretches the muscles of the back and pelvic area. Moreover, Utkatasana improves your physical strength and mental endurance.
For beginners, Chair Pose can be difficult because of the need to engage muscles in the correct way. It is recommended to use a wall or block to modify the pose if you’re having difficulty holding it. These tools will provide extra support and help you achieve proper alignment. Make sure to engage the core muscles throughout the pose.
In addition to the strength benefits of this pose, it requires a lot of coordination between the legs, arms, and core muscles.
Chair pose has many benefits, including strengthening the heart and pelvis. It also improves breathing and helps you improve your immune system. It also helps you tone your entire body and promotes creativity.
How to do Chair Pose
- Move 1 Start in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). As you inhale, raise your arms perpendicular to the floor, with your palms facing inward.
- Move 2 Exhale and bend your knees, as if you are sitting down in an imaginary chair until your torso forms a right angle to your thighs. Keep your inner thighs parallel to each other and push backward with your shoulder blades as if you were pushing back on the back of a chair.
- Move 3 Lift your arms up over your head and hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Move 4 To come out of this pose, inhale while you straighten your knees.