
Utthita Trikonasana Extended Triangle [oot-T-HEE-tuh tree-kohn-AAH-suh-nuh] In Sanskrit, utthita means ‘extended’ or ‘stretched,’ tri means ‘three,’ and kona means ‘angle.’ The posture is named for the triangle formed by the extended legs and the side bend in the body. Description From Tadasana (Mountain Pose), the legs are abducted (extended out) as far apart as is comfortable, preferably between three and four feet (about one meter), with one leg externally rotated. Arms are extended out to the sides. The torso tilts laterally toward the externally rotated leg so the arms are then perpendicular to the ground, creating many triangles in the body's geometry.	Utthita Parshvakonasana Extended Side-Angle Stretch [oot-T-HEE-tuh paarsh-vuh-kohn-AAH-suh-nuh] In Sanskrit, Parshva means ‘side’ or ‘flank,’ kon means ‘angle,’ and utthita means ‘extended.’ Thus Utthita Parshvakonasana is an extended side-angle (or flank-angle) stretch. Description This posture is a side-stretching lunge in which one hand is placed on the ground on the lunging side and the other arm is extended overhead. Moving into it from Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II) is an easy transition.	Dhanurasana Bow Pose [dhuh-noor-AAH-suh-nuh] In Sanskrit, dhanu means 'bow,' as in a bow and arrow. In this pose, the torso represents the bow, and the arms signify the action of the bowstring by pulling the head and feet closer together. Description Dhanurasana is a moderate to deep backbend. The knees are bent, and the arms reach back toward the lifted feet.	Halasana Plow Pose [huhl-AAH-suh-nuh] Hala is the Sanskrit word for plow. In Halasana, the shape of the body resembles that of a traditional plow utilized to till the earth; the legs represent the handles and the rest of the body the blade. Description In this asana, as in Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand), the top of the shoulders and the back of the head are the roots. For the greatest benefit, the spine should be held as straight as possible, but it can be rounded in some variations. The hips are flexed, and the legs are outstretched as the feet rest on the ground behind the head.