Learning Yoga: How to Do Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) Safely + Correctly
Learning Yoga: How to Do Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) Safely + Correctly
Triangle Pose is a common standing yoga posture that is great for both beginners and the experienced yogi. Triangle Pose (aka Trikonasana) combines a deep side bend with a chest opener, and you’ll feel a sense of both length and strength while in this pose.
It might be obvious, but the shape of this yoga pose resembles a triangle and is what the pose is named after.
You’ll find this yoga pose in most styles of yoga practice, with the exception of Yin and Restorative. It’s often practiced in conjunction with Warrior Poses and is part of the Moon Salutation sequence and the Ashtanga Primary Standing Series.
Proper alignment can be a bit tricky in this yoga pose, particularly for beginners. Read on to learn all the details to safely practice this pose.
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Pose at a Glance
Sanskrit Name: Trikonasana, or Utthita Trikonasana
Pronunciation: tree-ko-na-sana
Targets the Body: Full body posture that both opens and tones the body while improving balance
Muscle Groups Involved: Shoulders, Spine, Chest, Arms, Hip Flexors, Glutes, Groin, Hamstrings, Core
Nuances: Angle of the hips, keeping a lengthened and aligned spine
Here’s How to Access Triangle Pose:
- Start in Mountain Pose (Tadasana) facing the front end of your mat
- Leaving your right foot facing the front of the mat take a large step back with your left foot
- Place your left foot on the mat so your toes point towards the side of the mat, at approximately a 45 degree angle from your front foot
- Traditional alignment has the heel of the front foot in line with the arch of the back foot
- Rotate both hips open to the side of the mat
- Bring your arms out to shoulder height making a “T” shape
- Engage your core muscles and lengthen your lower back to find a neutral pelvis
- Shift your left hip towards the back of your mat while you drop your right hip slightly
- Your hips should end at an angle with your left hip higher than your right
- Lift through your right thigh to “plug” your fight femur securely into the hip socket
- Gaze forward over your front hand
- Reach forward to lengthen your spine, then hinge down reaching your right hand to either your right shin or the ground
- If resting your right hand on your shin, be careful not to place too much pressure there which could cause you to hyperextend though the knee
- Lift up through your left shoulder to extend the opening of your chest
- Keeping your head in line with your spine bring your gaze up to look at your left thumb
- Your arms should be in a long line perpendicular to the floor
- Lengthen through both sides of your body to maintain extension through the spine
- Engage your core muscles to maintain balance in the pose
- Activate the left leg glutes along with the right leg psoas muscle to stabilize the pelvis
- Press down through both feet, while lifting up through the arch and knee caps
Ready to Practice? Check Out Triangle Pose (And More Poses) In the Learning Yoga Video Series
Be sure to check out the Learning Yoga series, a comprehensive workshop-style program that breaks down over 30 of the most common, foundational yoga poses on YA Classes. Get started with this standing posture, Triangle Pose and Reverse Triangle Pose.
Triangle Pose Benefits and Important Details to Know
Triangle Pose is a powerful asana. It strengthens the lower body including the ankles, knees, legs, lower back and core. The hamstrings, groin, upper and side abdominals, shoulders, chest, and back all receive an active and powerful stretch. The rotation of the chest in this pose opens the lungs and promotes full and rhythmic breathing.
You’ll feel a sense of both length and strength while in Trikonasana.
Holding a posture with such an expansive stance challenges and builds both body awareness and balance. Additionally, the movement and strengthening the lower back may help to reduce forms of back pain by increasing circulation in this area. Many practitioners also find this yoga pose can provide a bit of relief for menstrual cramps.
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