Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose is an uplifting blend of strength, flexibilty and concentration; all wrapped up in one powerful yoga posture! This unique exercise stimulates your hamstrings, back legs and tendons while providing a deep stretch along the inner thigh muscles. Thanks to its balance-restoring benefits you’ll be feeling limber from head-to-toe!
Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, also known as Hand to Big Toe Pose, is a standing balance pose that stretches the hamstrings and strengthens the legs.
Here’s how to practice Hand To Big Toe Pose:
- Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides.
- Shift your weight onto your left foot and lift your right leg off the ground, extending it straight in front of you.
- Loop a yoga strap, belt, or towel around the ball of your right foot and hold onto the ends with both hands.
- Inhale, and as you exhale, lift your chest and extend your arms straight in front of you, pulling on the strap to lift your right leg higher.
- Keep your right leg straight and extended, and hold the pose for a few breaths.
- To release the pose, lower your right leg back to the ground and come back to standing with your feet hip-width apart. Repeat on the other side.
Learning to hold warrior III pose is an essential part of your yoga practice and journey. To help you master the basics, it’s best to find a mentor who can guide and support you until feel confident enough attempting this dynamic posture solo.
You’ll need good core control for balance, as well as strength in your standing leg – but don’t be afraid to pull back if things start feeling wobbly! As far as positioning goes; there are several ways Warrior III can be done: on the floor with use of straps or blocks.
Vvia walls (to give extra stability), or even seated on a padded chair where one could take advantage of additional cushioning while developing their endurance along the way.
To get into this grounding pose, stand with your right foot forward and left off the ground. To deepen the stretch, press the top of your standing foot firmly into the floor and strive to grip onto your toes for a more intense fold.
If it is too difficult at first try anchoring yourself by bending both legs or leaning against a wall; you may even find that using a strap will help further stabilize this powerful stance!
