Side-reclining leg lift (hold)

Anantasana

Yogaintermediatetimedno equipment

Side-lying balance on the left side with the body in one line and the head resting in the left palm; the right leg extends straight up toward the ceiling, the right index and middle fingers hooked around the big toe with the right arm straight.

How to do it

1. Lie on the left side with the body in one straight line from head to heels, legs straight and stacked, feet flexed; left elbow on the floor in line with the torso, head resting in the left palm.
2. Bend the right knee toward the chest, rotating the thigh outward so the knee points up, and hook the right big toe with the right index and middle fingers, thumb wrapped over them.
3. Inhale and extend the right leg straight up toward the ceiling, straightening the right arm at the same time.
4. The bottom leg stays strong and straight on the floor, pressing out through the left heel; hips stacked vertically, not rolling forward or back.
5. Gaze forward. Hold, then switch sides.

Muscles worked

Supporting: hamstrings, adductors