Yoga Pose: Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
By Kerrie Cason
Yoga Pose: Utkatasana, Chair Pose
Utkata = Powerful, fierce
Asana = Posture
Description:
Begin your pose in Tadasana. Place your feet together, inner heels and big toes touching, or hips distance apart. As you find your Tadasana, be sure the weight is evenly distributed to all four corners of your feet. Lift up with your inner and outer arches as well as your inner and outer ankles. This sounds complicated, but if you focus your attention on these areas, over time you will find that you can accomplish it. Yoga is something to practice without interruption over a long period of time. This is how we grow in our practice.
Lift your arms above your head, palms facing inward. Be sure to slide your shoulder blades down your back and away from your ears, moving them away from the spine while keeping the back wide. If you are experiencing any pain in the shoulders and raising the arms is difficult, then bring your hands to prayer in front of your heart. Your neck should remain long as you look up towards your hands. The upper inner arms are in line with your ears.
With a deep inhale, bend your knees and sink your hips. Move your shins back shifting the weight into your heels. Don’t let your heels lift up off the ground. Even though you’d like to find yourself sitting at a ninety-degree angle, only sit as low as is comfortable for you. Continue reading
