Revolved Side Angle
Revolved Side Angle is a strong twist built on a lunge. Lowering the back knee makes it more accessible.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Family
- Twist
- Hold
- 3–5 breaths per side
- Works
- Legs, spine, shoulders
- Lengthen before twisting
- Elbow presses the knee
Step by step
How to do Revolved Side Angle
Begin Begin in High Lunge with the right foot forward.
- 01
From High Lunge, bring palms together at the heart.
- 02
Lengthen the spine.
- 03
Exhale and twist to the right, hooking the left elbow outside the right knee.
- 04
Keep the front knee over the ankle.
- 05
Press palms together to open the chest.
- 06
Gaze up or to the side.
- ↩
Coming out. Untwist, return to lunge and switch sides.
Breath
Inhale to lengthen; exhale to twist.
Focus
Twist with leg strength
Why practise it
Strengthens legs; mobilises the spine.
Alignment & cues
Front knee stacked; spine long; back leg active.
Teacher’s cues
- “Lengthen before twisting”
- “Elbow presses the knee”
Common mistakes
Collapsing the chest and front knee drifting.
Make it yours
Every body is different. Use props and variations freely — they are not a lesser version of the pose.
Easier
Back knee down; hand on a block.
Variations
- Bottom hand down, top arm extended
Props
- Blanket under back knee
- Block
Where it fits in a flow
Warm up with the poses on the left, then move into the ones on the right.
Practise with care
Safety
Avoid in pregnancy (closed twist) and with disc problems.
Educational guidance, not medical advice. Stop if you feel sharp pain, pinching or dizziness, and check with a qualified teacher or health professional if you are pregnant, injured or managing a health condition.
In the tradition
A revolved counterpart to Side Angle.
Questions
Can I lower my back knee?
Yes — it is a great way to learn the twist.
More twist poses
See the familyGentle Seated Twist
Ardha Matsyendrasana (gentle variation)
Reclined Twist
Supta Matsyendrasana
Revolved Triangle
Parivrtta Trikonasana