Pyramid Pose
Office Yoga® Pyramid Pose (Parsvottanasana)
Pyramid Pose (Parsvottanasana) is great Office Yoga® stretch for hamstrings and hips. In his book Light on Yoga, B.K.S Iyengar, one of the greatest yoga masters of our time, claims that this pose (asana) relieves stiffness in the legs and hips and makes the hip joints and spine more elastic.
Traditionally, parsvottanasana is done with hands together behind the back and forehead resting on the front knee. Although there are great benefits to the traditional variation, it’s not easily accessible to most Office Yogis without injury. Office Yoga® has spent time with licensed physical therapists from Renew Physical Therapy to break down the benefits of Pyramid Pose (Parsvottanasana) and find a variation that works for our office yoga audience and environment.
HOW TO PARSVO
- Stand by a conference table or desk and place your hands flat on the table
- Step back into Office Yoga® Downward Dog, creating an “L” shape with spine parallel to floor
- Step your right foot forward keeping both feet grounded on the floor
- Hold for 5-10 breaths.
- Step back into Office Yoga® Downward Dog and change sides.
You can also do this variation with your arms folded on the table and your head resting down on your arms. Close your eyes and feel the breath move through the body.
We know from watching our Office Yogis over the years that this pose provides a tremendous release in the legs and lower half of the body. This asana also helps calm the mind. Forward bends are very sedating for the nervous system and leave you feeling more relaxed and grounded. Try this pose and see for yourself!
Want Office Yoga® classes at your workplace? Contact us for class formats and scheduling!