Mobility · Yoga
Revolved Side Angle Pose
Revolved Side Angle Pose combines a lunge with a torso twist to challenge leg strength, trunk control, and balance. This version uses hands at your chest rather than reaching to the floor.
- Intermediate
- Low injury risk
- No rest timer
How to do it
- Step your left foot back into a long lunge, with your right knee above your ankle and your back heel lifted.
- Press your palms together at your chest.
- Lean your torso forward over your right thigh.
- Rotate your chest to the right until your left elbow rests against the outside of your right thigh.
- Hold the twisted lunge with your palms together.
- Unwind your torso to face forward.
- Step your left foot forward to return to standing.
Form cues
- Reach long through your crown.
- Keep pressure through both feet.
- Breathe slowly into your ribs.
Common mistakes
- Front knee drifting inwardKeep your front knee pointing in the same direction as your middle toes.
- Forcing the twist with your elbowUse light elbow contact rather than pushing your thigh to turn farther.
- Feet lined up like a tightropeWiden your stance from side to side to give yourself a steadier base.
Safety
Forcing rotation can strain your back or irritate your front knee. Fatigue or an unstable stance can also cause you to lose balance.
- Practice a comfortable untwisted lunge before adding rotation.
- Keep your gaze down if turning your head makes you unsteady.
- Release the pose if you feel joint pain or cannot breathe comfortably.
If you are pregnant or have ongoing back or knee pain, get guidance on a supported, less rotated alternative before attempting this pose.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Yoga Block (optional)
- Yoga Mat (optional)
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 1–3
- Target
- 15–30 seconds per side
- Rest
- No rest timer
Switch the leg positions and twist direction to practice the other side.