Stay Loose

EXTENDED TRIANGLE POSE Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, ankles, and spine; stretches the hips, groin, hamstrings, and calves; aids digestion and improves respiratory function. A | Stand with your feet about 4 feet apart and facing forward. Bring your arms out to your sides with your palms facing down. Move your left foot forward a few inches and turn it out 90 degrees to the left, so your left heel forms a straight line with the arch of your right foot. Keep your left leg straight but don’t lock your knee. Turn your head to the left to gaze over your left hand. B | Keeping your arms straight and your hips facing forward, lean out over your left foot, shifting your hips back slightly. Stretch through your left arm. C | Bend your torso to the left until it’s parallel to the ground, and place your left hand on the ground beside your left heel. If you can’t comfortably reach the ground, place your hand on your left shin or ankle or on a yoga block. Extend your right arm up toward the sky, keeping it in a straight line with your left arm (so your upper body forms a T shape). Rotate your right palm to face forward. Look down at your front foot. D | For more of a challenge, turn your head to the right and look up toward your right hand. Hold the pose for 5 breaths. Repeat steps C through A in reverse to come back to standing. Repeat the move on your right side.