Yoga BLOG

Dvi Pada Koundinyasana: A yoga pose in honor of Kaundinya This yoga pose is recommended for beginners and advanced practitioners. Those with no yoga experience should still practice a few other poses before attempting Dvi Pada Koundinyasana. The pose involves both legs, is ideal for transitions, and works the entire body. The legs and arms, torso, chest, and back are primarily involved in the exercise. No equipment is required. Performing Dvi Pada Koundinyasana: Preparation For this asana, all you need is your yoga mat , plenty of arm strength, and sufficient tension in your thighs. During the exercise, your body weight is supported by both arms, while your palms rest flat on the floor—similar to classic push-ups, for example. What makes the exercise even more challenging is the tension required in your legs. Because they are raised sideways and held in the air, the muscles in your thighs and abdomen are strongly engaged. At the same time, the body is rotated by raising your legs sideways. This creates a strong "twist," which you will feel specifically in your chest, abdomen, hips, and back. The challenges of Dvi Pada Koundinyasana are quite diverse. When performing the pose, make sure your shoulders are kept level and level. At the same time, keep your chest open and your breathing even. With each step, be careful to resist the temptation to shift more weight onto your outer hand. Dvi Pada Koundinyasana also represents finding inner balance, which is why both wrists and arms should be equally loaded. Four steps for your Dvi Pada Koundinyasana First, squat down with your fingertips touching the yoga mat on the left and right sides, and your body supported by your feet. If this feels comfortable, you can stand on your tiptoes in this squatting position. Your back will be slightly curved forward, with your knees pointing slightly upward. Now take your right hand and place it behind you, while simultaneously taking your left arm and stretching it upward. Extend your left hand and its fingers steeply toward the ceiling or sky. During this position, your knees will move steeply forward. Now bring your left hand down and place both hands at your sides. This creates a "twist" in your body, as your knees continue to point forward while your hips and torso rotate to the right to position both hands flat on the mat. Now move your feet, keeping your palms supporting you. Release the "twist" in your body slightly as you point your toes slightly forward. This movement prepares you for the next step: raising your legs to the sides while supporting your body with your arms. Breathe in and out calmly, then slowly raise your legs, still tucked in. They, along with your buttocks, should be the highest point of your body. Once you've found your balance, extend your legs to enter the final position of Dvi Pada Koundinyasana. If you feel secure in your posture, you can hold it for a few breaths. However, if you feel like your arm strength is about to leave you, return to your original position. Over time, you can increase the length of time you hold the final position of Dvi Pada Koundinyasana. The focus of this exercise is clearly on strength, breathing, and flexibility. Dvi Pada Koundinyasana is said to bring you inner balance and may have a calming and detoxifying effect. Image © fizkes / 123rf.com