Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

Standing Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose

Standing Hand-to-Big-Toe balances on one leg while the other lifts in front.

Type: Balance & Core
Focus: Balance
Intermediate ยท 6/10

Practise away from the screen with the Yoga Cards deck.

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How to do this pose

  1. Stand beside a wall and bring one knee toward the chest.
  2. Hold behind the thigh or use a strap around the foot; extend the knee only while the torso stays comfortably upright.
  3. Bend the lifted knee, lower the foot and change sides.

Before you begin

Avoid forcing a hamstring stretch or balancing unsupported when unsteady.

What you should feel

Work in the standing hip and a manageable stretch behind the lifted thigh.

Benefits

Practises balance, hip control and hamstring mobility.

Common mistakes

Rounding the back or hiking the hip to straighten the leg.

Modifications

Keep the lifted knee bent and hold the wall.

Prep Poses

Mountain Pose; Tree Pose

Follow-Up Poses

Mountain Pose

Related Content

Keep the lifted knee bent and hold the wall.