Stretch & strengthen your legs, hips, abs, and more as you twist and balance in Crescent Lunge Twist Pose…

Crescent Lunge Twist Pose (Parivrtta Anjaneysana), also known as High Lunge Prayer Twist Pose, or Revolved Side Angle Pose with Prayer Hands, is a beginner-to-intermediate level twist pose that helps to build strength in the lower body and is believed to stimulate digestion. This pose also helps to strengthen the core muscles, stretches the hamstrings, hips, waist, and spine, and builds stability throughout the body.

Both a balance pose and a twist, this pose combines the benefits of both, providing both strengthening and detoxification, while providing a comprehensive stretch for the hips, back, shoulders, legs, and abdominal area. This pose is commonly done as part of the Ashtanga yoga sequence of standing poses, and it is believed to help boost energy or prana within the body. It may also help to relieve lower back and sciatic pain.

If you are not ready for the full pose, you can open your arms up into Revolved Side Angle Pose and rest your lower hand on the floor for balance.

If you suffer from neck pain or an injury to the neck area, keep your head facing straight ahead in the pose, rather than turning your face upwards. Those with knee or hip injuries, those who are pregnant, or who have high blood pressure should avoid this pose.

How to Do Crescent Lunge Twist Pose:

1.) Begin in high lunge with your right foot forward.

2.) Take your hands together in a prayer posture at the center of your chest. Take a deep inhale, using your thumbs to slightly lift your chest.

3.) Use your exhale to engage your navel to your spine and twist your torso to the right.

4.) Hook your left elbow outside of your right thigh. Breathe here for at least three deep breaths, then come back to center and repeat on the other side.

Read more & see a demo at MSN.com…