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Trikonasana Arms Behind

त्रिकोणासन हाथ पीछे

Trikonasana, or Triangle Pose, is a standing pose that improves flexibility and balance. This variation with arms interlaced behind the back deepens the shoulder opening and chest expansion, enhancing spinal twist and promoting deeper breathing.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

5

Avoid If

4
  • Low blood pressure
  • Neck injury
  • Headache
  • Heart problems

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Bending the front knee — keep the front leg straight
Collapsing the torso forward — keep the chest open to the side
Resting heavily on the bottom hand — it should be light
Shortening the underside of the waist — maintain equal length on both sides
Twisting the hips forward — keep the pelvis in a neutral plane

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

6 cues
  • 1Step the feet 3.5 to 4 feet apart
  • 2Turn the front foot out 90 degrees, back foot in slightly
  • 3Extend the torso laterally over the front leg — not forward
  • 4Keep the body in one plane — as if between two panes of glass
  • 5Reach the top arm straight up, stacking the shoulders
  • 6Turn the gaze toward the top hand if the neck allows

Pose Details

Helps With

flexibilitystrengthposture correctiondigestive problemsanxiety

Pose Type

lateral bendchest opener

Body Focus

lower bodyspinechestshoulders

Focus Areas

flexibilitystrengthbalancebreathing

Best For

athletesdesk workers

Yoga Styles

iyengar

When to Practice

peak posemorning

Position

standing

Modify If You Have

neck pain

Keep head in line with spine, look forward or down.

back pain

Place hand on shin or block, avoid deep bend, keep spine long.

Target Areas

HamstringsQuadsObliquesDeltoids

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Trikonasana, or Triangle Pose, is a standing pose that improves flexibility and balance. This variation with arms interlaced behind the back deepens the shoulder opening and chest expansion, enhancing spinal twist and promoting deeper breathing.

How to Practice

1

1. Begin in Tadasana, Mountain Pose.

2

2. Inhale and step your feet wide apart, approximately 3-4 feet.

3

3. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot slightly inward.

4

4. Bring your hands behind your back and interlace your fingers.

5

5. Inhale and open your chest, drawing your shoulder blades together.

7 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Trikonasana Arms Behind

What is Trikonasana Arms Behind?

Trikonasana, or Triangle Pose, is a standing pose that improves flexibility and balance. This variation with arms interlaced behind the back deepens the shoulder opening and chest expansion, enhancing spinal twist and promoting deeper breathing.

What are the benefits of Trikonasana Arms Behind?

Stretches and strengthens the legs and ankles. Stretches the hips, hamstrings, and shoulders. Improves balance and stability. Stimulates abdominal organs. Relieves stress and anxiety.

Who should avoid Trikonasana Arms Behind?

Avoid this pose if you have: Low blood pressure, Neck injury, Headache, Heart problems.

How many steps are in Trikonasana Arms Behind?

Trikonasana Arms Behind is practiced in 12 steps. Begin in Tadasana, Mountain Pose.

Is Trikonasana Arms Behind suitable for beginners?

Trikonasana Arms Behind is an intermediate-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What props are needed for Trikonasana Arms Behind?

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

What conditions does Trikonasana Arms Behind help with?

Trikonasana Arms Behind is therapeutic for: flexibility, strength, posture correction, digestive problems, anxiety.

What poses should I do before Trikonasana Arms Behind?

Prepare with: Trikonasana, Tadasana, Shoulder Rolls, Neck Rolls, Tadasana Variation: Heel Raises. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

Build Your Own Sequence

Combine Trikonasana Arms Behind with other poses