Utkatasana | Fierce Pose

Photo by Galen Coles of Cara Rivera

Utkatasana is often incorrectly translated as Chair Pose, but there is nothing about this pose that is like relaxing in a chair. In fact it’s quite the opposite. With bent knees and upward reaching arms that pop your chest wide open, Utkatasana requires a certain level of fight to stick with it for five breaths. This is Fierce Pose.

Etymology

Sanskrit Name: Utkatasana

English Translation: Fierce Pose

Body

Lengthens

Abdominals

Serratus Anterior

Engages

Quads

Glutes

How To:

1. Bring feet together and bend the knees.

2. Lift the palms overhead, pressing the palms together. Externally rotate the shoulders, drawing the elbows toward each other.

3. Take the head back and gaze at the thumbs for 5 or more breaths.

Asana of the Ashtanga Primary Series

---

Liveology, LLC is a yoga media company creating uplifting content for your whole life. Subscribe! Our subscriptions provide access to our full online library as well as access to digital issues of Liveology Yoga Magazine. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Sharing is caring. Thank you for your continued and growing support.

Peace & Pineapples!