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Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose

Parivrtta Anjaneyasana · परिवृत्त आञ्जनेयासन

Also known as: Twisted Low Lunge · Prayer Twist

ParivrttaRevolved·AnjaneyaHanuman·AsanaPose

Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose, also called Twisted Low Lunge is a classical yoga posture. Its Sanskrit name Parivrtta Anjaneyasana translates word-for-word as: Parivrtta (Revolved) · Anjaneya (Hanuman) · Asana (Pose). Beginning from a kneeling position, the practitioner rotates the spine, creating space between each vertebra. The posture works to engage the core, engage the obliques and stretch the hip flexors. Improves spinal mobility. Stretches hip flexors. Suitable for intermediate practitioners with foundational yoga experience, it is a meaningful addition to any practice. A block can be used to make the posture more accessible and support correct alignment. Practitioners with hip injury and knee injury should approach with care or consult a qualified teacher.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

5

Strengthens core muscles
Improves spinal mobility
Stretches hip flexors
Stimulates abdominal organs
Enhances balance
Full anatomical benefits — muscles, joints, organs →

Avoid If

4

Knee Injury
Deep flexion or rotation at the knee can strain ligaments, meniscus, or cartilage, especially in a compromised joint.
Never push into pain; use a folded blanket under or between the knees and reduce the depth of the bend.
Back Injury / Back Pain
Spinal flexion, extension, or rotation under load can compress vertebral discs or strain the paraspinal muscles.
Initiate the twist from the upper spine and ribs rather than forcing from the waist; keep both sitting bones grounded.
Hip Injury
Deep hip flexion, external rotation, or weight-bearing can aggravate labral tears, impingement, or bursitis.
Limit the range of hip movement, avoid positions that cause clicking or sharp pain, and use props to support the hip.
Shoulder Injury
Overhead loading and extreme shoulder rotation can impinge the subacromial space and overload rotator cuff tendons.
Reduce the range of motion, avoid full arm extension, and use props to limit load on the shoulder joint.

Props That Can Help

Optional supports — use when helpful, not required

Yoga Block

Use a block to reduce the reach distance, support alignment, and make the posture accessible at your current level of flexibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕Forcing the twist from the shoulders instead of initiating from the abdomen

✕Rounding the spine — maintain length before rotating

✕Lifting one sitting bone off the floor

✕Holding the breath during the rotation

✕Twisting beyond a comfortable range — respect your body's limits

✕Forcing the hips open beyond their current range

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

6 cues

1Lengthen the spine on the inhalation, deepen the twist on the exhalation
2Initiate the rotation from the navel, then the chest, finally the head
3Keep both sitting bones grounded equally
4Maintain the length of the spine — do not collapse into the twist
5Use the breath to create space for the rotation
6Allow the hip joints to open gradually — never force

Pose Details

Pose Type

twisthip opener

Body Focus

corehipsspine

Focus Areas

flexibilitystrengthbalancebreathing

Yoga Styles

vinyasapowerhatha

When to Practice

peak pose

Position

kneeling

Practice Flow

Staff Pose

Baddha Konasana

Bharadvajasana I (seated)

PA

This pose

Supta Tadasana

Savasana

How to Practice

1

1. Begin in Anjaneyasana with the right foot forward, right knee aligned over the right ankle.

2

2. Exhale, and bring your left elbow to the outside of your right knee, pressing the elbow firmly against the knee to deepen the twist. Actively engage the core.

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3. Extend your right arm upwards towards the ceiling, stacking your shoulders one above the other. Gaze towards the right hand or ceiling, if comfortable.

4

4. Hold the pose for several breaths, breathing deeply and evenly. Maintain a straight line from the back knee to the head.

5

5. Inhale, and slowly unwind the twist, returning to the center.

2 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Parivrtta Anjaneyasana

What is Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose?

Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose, also called Twisted Low Lunge is a classical yoga posture. Its Sanskrit name Parivrtta Anjaneyasana translates word-for-word as: Parivrtta (Revolved) · Anjaneya (Hanuman) · Asana (Pose). Beginning from a kneeling position, the practitioner rotates the spine, creating space between each vertebra. The posture works to engage the core, engage the obliques and stretch the hip flexors. Improves spinal mobility. Stretches hip flexors. Suitable for intermediate practitioners with foundational yoga experience, it is a meaningful addition to any practice. A block can be used to make the posture more accessible and support correct alignment. Practitioners with hip injury and knee injury should approach with care or consult a qualified teacher.

What are the benefits of Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose?

Strengthens core muscles. Improves spinal mobility. Stretches hip flexors. Stimulates abdominal organs. Enhances balance.

Who should avoid Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose?

Avoid this pose if you have: Knee injuries, Back injuries, Hip injuries, Shoulder injuries.

How many steps are in Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose?

Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose is practiced in 7 steps. Begin in Anjaneyasana with the right foot forward, right knee aligned over the right ankle.

Is Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose suitable for beginners?

Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose is an intermediate-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What props are needed for Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose?

You may use: block. Props make the pose more accessible and comfortable.

What poses should I do before Revolved Crescent Lunge Pose?

Prepare with: Staff Pose, Baddha Konasana, Bharadvajasana I (seated). These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.