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November 15, 2025 2 min read

Extended Side Angle Pose

Find strength and openness with Extended Side Angle Pose, a motivating intermediate posture that stretches the side body, builds leg and core stability, and encourages deep, steady breathing for balance and focus.
Extended Side Angle

Pose Type

Core, Standing, Strengthening, Side Stretch

Sanskrit Meaning

Utthita Parsvakonasana

Benefits

  • Stretches the side body, hips, and legs
  • Strengthens the hip flexors, glutes, shins, ankles, and inner thighs.
  • Opens the chest and shoulders
  • Builds endurance and balance

Targets

  • Side body
  • Legs
  • Hips and groin
  • Shoulders
  • Core muscles

Steps for Extended Side Angle:

  1. Stand with your feet wide apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot slightly in. Bend your right knee over your ankle and stretch your arms out at shoulder height. 
  2.  Bring your right forearm to rest lightly on your right thigh, or place your right hand on the floor outside your right foot (if you can reach comfortably). 
  3.  Stretch your left arm over your head, in line with your left ear, with your palm facing down. Notice the length stretching from your fingertips to your left heel. 
  4. Open your chest toward the ceiling and roll your left shoulder back. Keep your eyes on your upper hand or forward. 
  5. Press your back heel into the ground and engage your belly to support your spine. 
  6. Stay for 3–5 deep breaths. Keep your body strong and long. 
  7. Inhale to rise back to Warrior II. Straighten your front leg, then switch and repeat on the other side.

Dos

  1. Ground the Back Heel Firmly Into the Mat 
  2. Keep the Front Knee Aligned Over the Ankle 
  3. Lengthen Through Both Sides of the Torso 
  4. Engage the Core and Lift Through the Side Body 
  5. Use a Block Under the Front Hand If You Can’t Reach the Floor

Don’ts

  1. Don’t Let the Front Knee Collapse Inward 
  2. Don’t Dump Weight Into the Bottom Hand 
  3. Don’t Round or Collapse the Chest Forward 
  4. Don’t Overextend the Neck. Keep It in Line With the Spine 
  5. Don’t Sacrifice Form Just to Reach the Floor