Want to strengthen your spine and improve posture? Try this yoga pose

This is an excellent pose to stretch the spine and also works on your shoulders, wrists and hamstrings.

Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : June 11, 2015 6:19 PM IST

Parsvottanasana, also known as the intense side stretch, is an excellent pose to stretch the spine thereby improving your posture and balance. In the process it also stretches your shoulders, wrists, hips and hamstrings. Additionally, it stimulates the abdominal organs and improves digestion. The pose can also be very beneficial to calm your mind.

Steps to do the pose:

Stand by placing both feet together in mountain pose or parvatasana. Now get your left foot about two feet behind you.
Get your arms behind your back, bend your elbows, and then press your palms together in reverse prayer position. (Namaste position)
Breathing in, lengthen your spine, and breathing out, fold at your waist. Keep both your legs straight. Try to lower your torso as much as possible. You can rest your forehead or chin on your right shin.
Hold this position for five deep breaths, and lift up your torso. Repeat this pose with the other leg. Here are more yoga poses for your spine.

A word of caution:

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Avoid this pose if you have a back injury or are a high blood pressure patient.

Image source: Getty Images

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Want to strengthen your spine and improve posture? Try this yoga pose

This is an excellent pose to stretch the spine and also works on your shoulders, wrists and hamstrings.

Also Read

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