Sanskrit Name: Upavishra Konasana
English Translation: Seated Angle Pose
Also Called: Seated Straddle
This pose, known as the seated angle pose or straddle pose is the perfect way to stretch out the hips, hamstrings and lower back, which is why it is the perfect travel pose. After sitting for long periods of time during my recent flight from Boston to St. Thomas, I finally boarded the catamaran in Tortola and my body was craving some deep stretches. I felt amazing after this stretch with a gorgeous Caribbean view.
First, have a seat with legs 3-4 feet apart and remove flesh from under buttocks. With a long spine you can slowly reach arms forward, breathing into areas of tension. Our hips hold onto emotional blockages or stressors, so it is important to breathe deeply and let it go in these poses. To deepen the stretch once doing the pose at a 90 degree angle, you can deepen the pose if your body is willing. It is important to remember to keep your knees facing the sky, keep quads fired up and feet flexed to assure body is in correct placement. Once you've reached your max you can relax into the pose.
As seen in this photo, I took a break from the forward fold and am clasping my hands behind my back to get a nice chest/heart opener. This is also important when traveling to new places, to assure you lead your vacation with an open heart and mind.