Straight Angle Pose - Samakonasana
Contents
Straight Angle Pose or Samakonasana is one of the most higher or advanced levels of yoga poses. This asana is a seated asana that requires considerable flexibility in the hips, groin, legs. The health benefits of Samakonasana help to attain good strength. When you stretch your body, you release muscle tension, improve blood circulation, flexibility, and lower the risk of injuries.
Samakonasana word comes from the Sanskrit language. Where Sama, meaning “straight,” Kona, meaning “angle,” and asana, meaning ” yoga posture”. As the name suggests it known as Straight Angle Pose in English.
The Straight Angle Pose is one of the most beneficial yoga practiced that improves the flexibility of the hips and groin. Along with that, it also facilitates the legs as well as a deep stretch of the inner thigh. In this physical yoga position, the legs are in line with each other and extended in opposite directions.
Pose Detail
- Difficulty: Advanced
- By Type: Flexibility Yoga Poses, Hip Opening Yoga Poses, Strengthening Yoga Poses
- Body Position: Seated Yoga Poses
- By Benefit: Yoga Poses For Anxiety And Panic Attack, Yoga Poses For Digestion, Yoga Poses For Periods, Yoga Poses For Stress Relief
Step-by-Step Instructions
Benefits and Contraindications
Opens up, strengthens and stretches the groins, the hips, and calf muscles
Stimulates the inner thighs
Strengthens the core and back muscles
Improves blood flow to the lower belly and stimulates digestion
Eliminates stress and depression
Improves posture
Aids with menstrual crumps
Lower back, knee or hip injuries
Pregnancy
Slip disc
Modifications, Props and Tips
- Use props: You can use props such as blankets, blocks, or bolsters to support your hips and elevate your sitting bones if you have limited flexibility in your hamstrings or hips. Sitting on a folded blanket can help to tilt your pelvis forward and lengthen your spine, making it easier to sit upright.
- Start with a wide stance: If you are new to this pose, start with a wide stance and gradually work towards bringing your legs closer together as you gain more flexibility.
- Use a strap: If you are unable to reach your feet with your hands, you can use a strap to wrap around your feet and hold onto the ends of the strap. This can help to deepen the stretch in your hamstrings and hips.
- Bend your knees: If you have tight hamstrings, you can bend your knees slightly to ease into the pose. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually straighten your legs.
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to increasing flexibility and strength in the hamstrings, hips, and back. Incorporate this pose into your regular yoga practice and hold the pose for longer durations as you progress.
Variations
- Splits Pose
- Bound Angle Pose
- Half Butterfly Pose Variation Forward Bend
