Yoga Pyramid Effect – What Do You Need to Know?

Yoga offers numerous asanas with a wide variety of benefits. If you're looking for an exercise that stretches your thighs and flanks, the pyramid pose is the perfect choice. Of course, this exercise has other benefits for the body as well. You'll find all the information you need in this article. Prepare to be amazed.

What is the yogic pyramid?

This asana is probably one of the most well-known exercises for doing something good for your body. In Sanskrit, it is also called पार्श्वोत्तानासन (Parsvottanasana). The purpose of this exercise is to feel and express your own strength and power.

What effects does this yoga exercise have on your organism?

As we all know, each asana has a completely different effect on the body, mind and soul.

Below we show you the best benefits of this asana:

• The exercise strengthens and stretches the back – especially the lower area.
• The spine and legs are also strengthened.
• The pyramid has a positive effect on tightening your stomach.
• In addition, the lateral chest muscles are stretched.
• The stomach and brain are stimulated and activated.
• This can open your root and crown chakras.
• The lumbar muscles, shoulders and hips are built up and strengthened.
• You strengthen your balance and stretch your adductors.
• In addition, the exercise can help bring thoughts and feelings into harmony more easily.

Who shouldn't make the pyramid?

In principle, any yogi can practice the pyramid pose—especially if they want to reap the benefits mentioned above. However, if you have high blood pressure or a back injury, it's best to avoid it. If you wish, you can also discuss your situation with your doctor to determine whether or not it's advisable to practice this asana.

Pyramid: How is it executed?

When practicing yoga, it's essential to make sure you perform everything correctly. Ideally, you'll learn the exercises in a yoga class. If you don't want to do that, you should learn the correct posture with the help of high-quality video material.

This is how the pyramid works:

• First, you start in the standing position of Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
• You stand upright on your yoga mat and then open your legs.
• The right leg is brought back (about one meter). The front foot (in this case, the left) points forward, while the back foot is turned only slightly forward.
• It is important that you stand firmly on the ground with both soles of your feet and have a good grip.
• Your hips are facing forward. Both legs are straight, and you're standing perfectly stable. Your heels are in a line.
• Now bring your hands together behind your back at your spine.
• On your next exhalation, bend your upper body downward. It's important that this forward bend is done from your hips.
• Your face is now near your knee and your back must be absolutely straight.
• Make sure your legs stay straight and your heels are firmly planted on the floor. As you inhale, rise upwards. Tilt your head slightly downward.
• Your hands can either stay behind your back or you can place them towards the floor.

You can repeat this pose several times, and always alternate sides. At first, it may be difficult to keep your legs straight. This is completely normal. Give your body time to adjust.

If you want to try out other variations, you can do so with the following:

• Parsvakonasana (extended side angle pose; this asana is good for strengthening lateral flexibility and the legs)
• Prasaritta Padottanasana (forward bend with legs apart; this stretches the leg muscles, especially the hamstrings, i.e. the back of the thigh muscles)

You can perfectly combine these two poses with the pyramid.

What should newcomers keep in mind?

The pyramid isn't typically practiced by beginners. If you're still interested, consider the following tips to ensure your body receives optimal support.

• Proper preparation is key to properly tuning your body into the pose. The following asanas may be beneficial: Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend), Gomukhasana (Seated Cow-Head Pose), or Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog).
• As described above, you can place your hands together behind your back in prayer position. If this is too difficult, simply lower them to the floor. This makes the pose much easier.
• If you have trouble with balance, you should place your feet a little closer together. This will automatically give you more support and help you hold yourself better.
• Be sure to use yoga props like a block if you otherwise have trouble performing the pose correctly.
• Make sure you practice the pose correctly, and it's best to learn it in a yoga class. Your yoga instructor can point out any mistakes. Once you've mastered the asana, you can also practice it on your own.
• After practicing the various yoga poses, you can take the time to calm down and ground yourself even more. Meditation on a cushion or a breathing technique could be perfectly supportive here.

Are you familiar with the yoga pyramid pose? How does this asana feel to you, and what benefits does it bring to your body?