DETAIL + DEPTH | This version of Utkatasana focuses on the side body, and how it relates to gravity. The feet and hands both have more small bones and joints than anywhere else in the body (26 and 54 per appendage, respectively!) This allows for nuanced movement to create balance, stability, and mobility. Because the side body is unlike the hands and feet in that there isn't a network of bones, joints, and muscles designed for sustaining posture on the side, doing so can challenge the balance of front and back bodies in a unique way. This is most obviously felt in Anantasana. Utkatsana on its side, however, has the advantage of pelvic, knee, and dorsi-flexion to prevent the body from falling forward. Take the pose without resting the legs on the floor of the feet on the wall, then it's a different challenge (and a more advanced variation!). To take this version, place the feet on a wall with the body in a relative Utkatasana shape. Because the hips are wider than the width of the feet side by side, place the feet up the wall as if the feet were on the floor, at the center of hip-width. Place a wide block (or two medium blocks if the shoulders are broad) between the hands. With flat fingers, press the hands into the blocks. Stay and breathe. Next, to emphasize side body engagement and length, lift the block and bottom shoulder away from the floor. Move up and down with the breath, and then sustain the lift for a count of 3-10 breaths, depending on individual capacity and comfort (discomfort?). Rest, then switch sides. © 2018 Ellen Huang Saltarelli #detailanddepth#alignmentyoga#yogaalignment#Yoga#yogapractice#iyengaryoga#utkatasana #chairpose #fiercepose #yogaforeverybody #puppypose #propyourpose #yogaprops #propyoga #wallyoga #sidebody (at Eagle Rock, Los Angeles) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrSsoGzBHhD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=p41kh4sbgays
