Revolved Triangle

A wider, shorter stance

Revolved Triangle combines a hamstring stretch, a twist and a balance, so a stable base matters. Keep the feet hip-width apart rather than heel to heel, and use a slightly shorter stance than in Triangle. A block under the bottom hand lets the spine stay long; reaching the floor at the cost of rounding the back takes the twist out of the spine.

How to do Revolved Triangle

• From Pyramid Pose, step the feet hip-width apart with the left foot back and turned out slightly
• Place the left hand on a block or the floor inside or outside the right foot
• Lengthen the spine forward as you breathe in
• Breathing out, turn the chest to the right from the ribs, and place the right hand on the sacrum or reach it up
• Keep the hips level and pointing forward, and look down, forward or up
• Hold for 3 to 5 breaths, release back to Pyramid and switch sides

Common mistakes

• Feet on one line, which makes balance hard and twists the knees
• Rounding the spine to reach the floor
• The front hip sliding out to the side
• Forcing the twist from the neck instead of the ribs

Who should take care

Avoid strong twists with a spinal disc injury and in pregnancy, or choose an open twist with the advice of a qualified teacher. Keep the head facing down with a neck problem. Rise slowly if you have low blood pressure. Bend the front knee slightly if the hamstring pulls sharply.