The literal translation of the word "utkatasana" from Sanskrit is "powerful pose." Utkatasana teaches us how to find the seat of power within the pelvis, at the center of the body.
Steps for Practice:
 1. Stand erect, legs together hands by the side of the thighs. Gaze in front.
2. Place legs about one foot apart. Raise the arms straight in front up to shoulder level, palm facing downward.
3. From a standing position, step your feet hip-width apart so you feel grounded and connected to the width of your pelvis. On an exhalation, squat down from here as if to sit in a chair, keeping your heels on the floor.
4. Raising the heels, stand on toes and slowly sit putting weight on toes.
5. Put both hands on respective knees.
6. On an inhalation, come up to standing and take a few cycles of breath to rest your thighs.
7. Shift and center your weight so that your knees come over your ankles. Now extend your arms directly out in front of you with your palms facing each other, and then take them overhead in direct alignment with your shoulders.
8. After sometime, while returning, raise your arms from the knee up to shoulder level.
9. Keeping balance, stand erect on the toes, there after, slowly place the heels on the ground.
10. Bring hands by the side of the thighs and keeping the legs together return to the original position.
Remember
1. This is a balancing pose, therefore, maintain balance while sitting or standing on toes.
2. During final posture, upper part of the body must remain erect.
3. Do not put weight on heels.
Benefits
1. Calf muscles are made healthy and remove constipation and nervous weakness of the lower extremities.
Limitations
Those suffering from muscle pull should not practice it.
Beginners Tip: To help you stay in this pose, perform it near a wall. Stand with your back to the wall, a few inches away from the wall. Adjust your position relative to the wall so that when you bend into the position, your tailbone just touches and is supported by the wall.
|
