intermediate

One-Legged Chair / Figure 4 Balance

Eka Pada Utkatasana

EY-kah PAH-dah oot-kah-TAHS-ah-nah

A challenging standing balance and hip opener that builds leg strength and focus. It targets the deep gluteal muscles while improving coordination and stability.

Chakras
PrimaryMuladhara (Root)
SecondarySvadhisthana (Sacral)Manipura (Solar Plexus)
Gaze:forward
Quick Summary
  • From Chair Pose, cross one ankle over the opposite thigh.

  • Flex your lifted foot and sit your hips back and down.

  • Keep your chest lifted and your hands at your heart.

Foundation
  • Ground down firmly through all four corners of your standing foot.

  • Keep your standing knee pointing forward and stable.

Alignment
  • Keep your lifted foot flexed to protect your knee.

  • Sit your hips back as if sitting in a low chair.

  • Lengthen your spine and keep your gaze steady on one point.

Inhale to lengthen the spine|exhale to sink a little deeper into the hips.
standinghip-opener