Appears in642 Workouts*

Side-To-Side Garland Pose

Loosen tight hips and improve mobility with the Side-To-Side Garland Pose! Perfect for a gentle stretch and increased flexibility.

The Side-To-Side Garland Pose mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hip adductors (inner thighs) and core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Optional Equipment

Yoga Mat
Yoga Mat

Side-To-Side Garland Pose Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Hip Adductors; Obliques

How to do the Side-To-Side Garland Pose

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

    • Point your toes outwards at a comfortable angle.

  2. Lowering into the Pose:

    • Bend your knees and lower your hips towards the ground as if you are squatting down.

    • Keep your chest upright and engage your core muscles to maintain balance.

  3. Positioning Your Arms:

    • Bring your palms together in front of your chest in a prayer position (Anjali Mudra).

    • Use your elbows to gently press against your inner thighs, helping to deepen the stretch.

  4. Shifting Side to Side:

    • While keeping your hips low, shift your weight to one side, allowing that knee to go over the toes.

    • Hold this position for a few breaths, feeling the stretch in the inner thigh of the opposite leg.

  5. Transitioning:

    • Gradually shift your weight to the other side, repeating the same process.

    • Alternate sides for a total of 5-10 times, breathing deeply throughout the exercise.

  6. Returning to the Starting Position:

    • After completing the side-to-side movements, slowly rise back to a standing position by straightening your legs.

    • Take a moment to stand tall and reset your posture.

  7. Cool Down:

    • Finish by gently swaying your hips side to side to release any tension.

Tips:

  • Keep your movements slow and controlled to avoid straining.

  • Focus on your breathing, inhaling deeply as you lower and exhaling as you shift.

  • If you feel discomfort in your knees or back, adjust your position and ensure you are not forcing the stretch.

Side-To-Side Garland Pose FAQs

What muscles does the Side-To-Side Garland Pose work?

The Side-To-Side Garland Pose mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hip adductors (inner thighs) and core. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.

What equipment do you need for the Side-To-Side Garland Pose?

None. The Side-To-Side Garland Pose is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What workout day should the Side-To-Side Garland Pose go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Side-To-Side Garland Pose variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Extended Side-Angle Pose, Garland Pose Sky Reach Hand Hold, Garland Pose and Gate Rock Stretch.

Training calculators

Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.