Bound Angle Pose

Baddha Konasana

A seated pose with soles together and knees wide. Works the adductors and inner hips into external rotation and is a standard long-hold seated shape.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Mat · Yoga block · Blanket
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Adductors
ALSO WORKS
Glutes · Lower back · Piriformis
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Sit tall and bring the soles of the feet together, heels a comfortable distance from the pelvis.
  2. 02Sit on a folded blanket if the lower back rounds.
  3. 03Hold the ankles or shins and let the knees release toward the floor, supported on blocks if needed.
  4. 04Lengthen the spine upward, keeping the chest broad.
  5. 05Stay upright or hinge slightly forward from the hips, holding ten to twenty breaths.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Move the heels away from you if the knees are high and tight.
  2. 02Support the thighs on blocks so the groin can actually let go.
  3. 03Lengthen up the spine before you fold forward.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Pushing the knees down with the hands, which forces the joint rather than releasing the adductors.
  2. 02Sitting on a posteriorly tipped pelvis, which sends the load into the lumbar spine.
  3. 03Pulling the heels in tight when the hips are not ready, which jams the hip joint instead of opening it.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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