Lizard Pose

Utthan Pristhasana

A deep low lunge with both hands inside the front foot. Loads the front hip into flexion and external rotation while the back hip flexor lengthens.

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
EQUIPMENT
Mat · Yoga block · Blanket
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Hip Flexors · Adductors
ALSO WORKS
Glutes · Hamstrings · Psoas & Iliacus (Hip Flexors) · Quads
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01From a lunge, walk the front foot to the outer edge of the mat and turn the toes out slightly.
  2. 02Bring both hands to the inside of the front foot, on the floor or on blocks.
  3. 03Lower the back knee to the mat, padded with a blanket, or keep the back leg lifted for more intensity.
  4. 04Lower onto the forearms if the hips allow, keeping the front knee tracking over the foot.
  5. 05Hold eight to fifteen breaths, then change sides.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Blocks under the hands until the forearms are honestly available.
  2. 02Press the front foot down so the knee does not cave.
  3. 03Lengthen the back thigh away from the front foot.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Letting the front knee collapse inward, which loads the medial knee instead of the hip.
  2. 02Dropping the chest to the floor while the hips stay high, which fakes depth without opening anything.
  3. 03Sagging the lower back with the back leg lifted, which grinds the lumbar spine to gain a few degrees.

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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