Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe
Utthita Hasta Pādāṅguṣṭhāsanaउत्थितहस्तपादाङ्गुष्ठासन
A standing balance holding the big toe, with the leg extended forward.
- Developing
- 20–30 seconds each side
- Difficulty 3 of 5
General guidance only — work within a range that feels stable and pain-free.
Photograph · Balance
How to practice
- 01
From Mountain Pose, shift weight onto the left leg.
- 02
Bend the right knee toward the chest and take hold of the big toe with the first two fingers.
- 03
Extend the right leg forward, keeping the spine tall.
- 04
Lift the chest and keep the standing leg firm.
- 05
Optionally open the leg out to the side while keeping the hips level.
Benefits
- Improves balance and focus
- Stretches the hamstrings
- Strengthens the standing leg
- Builds core stability
Breath
Steady breath; use the exhale to stay steady rather than to force the leg higher.
Cautions
Variations
- With a strap
- Loop the strap around the foot.
- Bent knee
- Hold the knee instead of the toe.
The practice letter
One email a month: a sequence to try, one pose explained properly, and something worth reading. No offers, no countdowns.