Side Plank Pose

Vasisthasana

The straight-arm yoga side plank, held on one hand with the top arm extended. Loads the underside obliques and shoulder while training wrist and scapular control.

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
EQUIPMENT
Mat
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Obliques · Deltoids
ALSO WORKS
Gluteus Medius · Serratus Anterior · Quadratus Lumborum · Forearms & Grip
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01From Plank, shift onto the outer edge of one foot and stack the top foot over the bottom.
  2. 02Roll onto the supporting hand, with the wrist slightly forward of the shoulder.
  3. 03Press the floor away and lift the bottom hip so the body forms one straight line.
  4. 04Extend the top arm to the ceiling and turn the head to look up if the neck is comfortable.
  5. 05Hold five to ten breaths, return to Plank, and repeat on the other side.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Push the floor away to lift the bottom shoulder up out of the joint.
  2. 02Lift the bottom waist toward the ceiling.
  3. 03Stack the shoulders and hips in one plane — no leaning back.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Letting the bottom hip drop, which hangs the body on the shoulder capsule rather than the obliques.
  2. 02Rolling the chest toward the floor, which turns it into a front plank on one arm.
  3. 03Placing the hand directly under the shoulder, which crowds the wrist and reduces the stable base.

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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