YanvaYoga > Yoga Poses > Straight Angle Pose

Straight Angle Pose - Samakonasana

24.02.202327.02.2023

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

Step 1

Sit on a hard surface with your back straight. The surface should be firm enough to support you and hold your posture when you will split your legs.

Step 2

Sit with both your legs straight and start to breathe in and out slowly. Breathing in and out will help to relax your muscles and will help your body to go into more intense positions.

Step 3

Slowly, start to separate your legs towards either side. Don't stretch beyond your capacity.

Step 4

Split your legs till they are perfectly straight on either side and keep breathing in and out while holding the posture.

Step 5

Flex your feet and press your heels firmly into the floor.

Step 6

Place your hands on the ground in front of you and slowly walk them forward until you feel a stretch in your inner thighs and hips.

Step 7

Keep your spine long and your shoulders relaxed as you hold the pose for 30-60 seconds.

Step 8

To come out of the pose, slowly walk your hands back towards your body and bring your legs back together.

Step 9

Take a few deep breaths and then repeat the pose if desired.

Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits

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

Contraindications

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.