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Intermediatestanding

Trikonasana with arm overhead

त्रिकोणासन ऊर्ध्व हस्त

Trikonasana Urdhva Hasta is a variation of Triangle Pose with the upper arm extended overhead, deepening the lateral stretch and opening the chest. It improves flexibility and strengthens the legs, core, and shoulders.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

5

Avoid If

4
  • Low blood pressure
  • Headaches
  • Heart problems
  • Neck pain

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

flexibilitystrengthdigestive problemsposture correction

Pose Type

lateral bendcore strengthener

Body Focus

lower bodyspinecoreshoulders

Focus Areas

flexibilitystrengthbalancebreathing

Best For

desk workersathletes

Yoga Styles

iyengarvinyasa

When to Practice

peak posemorning

Position

standing

Modify If You Have

back pain

Keep hand on shin or block, avoid twisting, keep spine long.

shoulder injury

Keep top hand on hip.

knee injury

Bend front knee slightly.

pregnancy

Use wall support, wider stance, don't go as deep.

Target Areas

HamstringsQuadsObliquesDeltoids

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Trikonasana Urdhva Hasta is a variation of Triangle Pose with the upper arm extended overhead, deepening the lateral stretch and opening the chest. It improves flexibility and strengthens the legs, core, and shoulders.

How to Practice

1

1. Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).

2

2. Step your feet 3-4 feet apart.

3

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

4

4. Inhale and extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height.

5

5. Exhale and hinge at your right hip, reaching your right hand down towards your right shin, ankle, or the floor outside your right foot. Extend your left arm straight up overhead, in line with your right arm.

7 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Trikonasana with arm overhead

What is Trikonasana with arm overhead?

Trikonasana Urdhva Hasta is a variation of Triangle Pose with the upper arm extended overhead, deepening the lateral stretch and opening the chest. It improves flexibility and strengthens the legs, core, and shoulders.

What are the benefits of Trikonasana with arm overhead?

Stretches and strengthens the legs, knees, and ankles. Stretches the hips, hamstrings, and calves. Opens the chest and shoulders. Stimulates the abdominal organs. Improves digestion.

Who should avoid Trikonasana with arm overhead?

Avoid this pose if you have: Low blood pressure, Headaches, Heart problems, Neck pain.

How many steps are in Trikonasana with arm overhead?

Trikonasana with arm overhead is practiced in 12 steps. Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).

Is Trikonasana with arm overhead suitable for beginners?

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

What props are needed for Trikonasana with arm overhead?

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

What conditions does Trikonasana with arm overhead help with?

Trikonasana with arm overhead is therapeutic for: flexibility, strength, digestive problems, posture correction.

What poses should I do before Trikonasana with arm overhead?

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 with arm overhead with other poses