Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose) To Strengthen Legs

Legs are the vital parts of our body. Any pain or injury to your legs will affect your entire movement. Therefore, having healthy and strong legs is very essential.

If the legs aren't strong, then even with slight pressure or strain on it, there is pain. Also there are more chances of getting injuries even with the slightest fall.

Also Read: Yoga Asanas For Headache

Painkillers and sprays are available which provide immediate relief from the pain but this would just be for a temporary period. If you are looking for a long-term solution then yoga would be the best option.

Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, which is also known as the Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose, is one of the best known yoga asanas to strengthen the legs.

Also Read: Yoga Asanas For Brain

The word Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana comes from the Sanskrit words 'Utthita' which means extended, 'Hasta' which means hand, 'Pada which means foot, 'Angusta' which means big toe and 'Asana' which means pose.

Though this asana could be difficult to perform initially as it requires a lot of balance, with continuous practise, it becomes easier.

Have a look at this step-wise procedure to perform Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana.

Step-by-step Procedure To Perform Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana:

1. To start off, come to a standing position like in Mountain Pose. Relax youself.

2. Slowly move your right knee to the chest. All you body weight should rest on the left foot.

3. The left hand should be placed on the left hip.

4. The right foot's big toe should be held by the index and middle fingers of the right hand.

5. The spine should be made straight and the left leg too.

6. Take a deep breath and then take your right leg forward and straighten it.

7. The neck and the shoulder should not be scrunched. Keep it relaxed.

8. Both the hips should be in line with each other.

9. Hold on to the position for a few seconds and then come out of the position.

10. Repeat the same on the other side.

Other Benefits Of Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana:

It helps to strengthen the legs.
It helps to stretch the hamstrings.
It helps to stretch the arms and shoulders.
It helps to strengthen the hips.
It helps to provide a balance to the body.
It helps to improve concentration.

Caution:

Those who have chronic ankle or low back injury should abstain from practising this asana. They should practise this asana only under the supervision of a yoga instructor.