Traditional
Standing Side Bend
Parsva Tadasana
Stand tall, reach the arms up, and arc the torso to one side.
- Benefits
- Builds strength, mobility, and breathing awareness with steady alignment. Particularly helpful for feeling steady and present.
- Props
- No-props
- Hold Time
- 5 to 8 breaths
- Cautions and Contraindications
- Practice within a pain-free range. Reduce depth or use props for knee, low back, neck, wrist, or shoulder sensitivity.
- Entering Standing Side Bend
- Stand tall with the feet grounded. Reach both arms overhead. Arc the torso to one side while keeping both sides of the waist long. Take a steady inhale to create length, then use the exhale to settle into the final shape.
- Exiting Standing Side Bend
- Lift the torso back to center. Lower the arms if needed before taking the other side. Pause in a neutral position for a moment before continuing.