Diane Vilarem – Anjaneyasana Yoga Pose

Anjaneyasana Pose

As we move on into Yoga, we will try several poses that each have specific benefits to you generally and as a cyclist.

A second pose I encourage you to try is Anjaneyasana which is a low lunge pose bringing many benefits such as stretching the psoas muscle, tight quads, hamstrings, groin and hips. It is also very good for opening the chest. This pose is excellent for athletes such as cyclists or runners. I suggest you practice it after every workout.

NB: Avoid this pose if you have knee or ankle injury.

1. Come into Plank Pose.
2. Start with stepping your right foot in between your hands, drop your left knee and place the top of your left foot to the floor.
3. Make sure that your left knee is directly in line with your ankle. Your knee mustn’t move forward your ankle.
4. Allow your hips to shift forward as you sink in the pose.
5. Relax your shoulders away from your ears and relieve tensions along the neck.
6. Once you have found comfort in the pose, inhale, lift your torso up and bring your arms up. Hold for 5-10 breaths. You can add a backbend if you want to increase the chest opening.
7. To exit the pose, lower your hands; place them on the floor on each side of your right foot. If your hands don’t easily reach the floor, come up on your fingertips or use a yoga block to be able to keep your back straight and not arched. Make your way back into Plank Pose, stay there for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.