In our earlier posts, we have covered the benefits and how-to-do of Bound Angle Pose, Upward Seated Angle Pose, Side Seated Angle Pose, Half-Upright Seated Angle Pose, Half-Prayer Twist Pose and Balancing Bound Angle Pose. Yoga pose for today is Goddess Squat, which is called Uthkata Konasana in Sanskrit. 'Uthkata' means 'powerful' and 'intense' and 'kona' means 'angle'.
Goddess Squat strengthens and stretches the hips. The pose stimulates muladhara, svadhittana and manipura chakras and enhances their functions. The pose develops your personality and vitality and improves creativity.
Other Benefits of Goddess Squat Pose
- Energizes the whole body
- Strengthens lungs
- Promotes heart health
- Strengthens the legs
- Joints get strengthened.
- It is an effective yoga pose for sciatic pain.
- Improves blood circulation
- Improves fertility
- Aids in easy childbirth
- Helps to Maintain Balance
- Promotes self-confidence
- Practicing the pose helps to relieve stress.
- Improves focus
Step-by-Step Guide
- Stand in Mountain Pose. Place your legs about 3 feet apart from each other.
- Turn your feet outwards.
- Exhale as you lower your hips till your knees are aligned to your ankles.
- Raise your hands over your head with the palms facing each other.
- Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute.
Note
Those with chronic hip conditions and knee problems should refrain from practicing the pose.
In case of difficulty in lifting the arms above, you can fold your hands as in salutation close to your chest.