Appears in642 Workouts*

Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind

Stretch & strengthen your core! This side bend in lotus pose improves flexibility & posture. Feel the openness!

The Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind mainly works the core, with help from the back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Mr. Grey
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@JustGains_XY

Optional Equipment

Yoga Mat
Yoga Mat

Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind Muscles Worked

Primary

Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

Secondary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)

Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind Variations and Alternatives

How to do the Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind

Sitting Lotus Pose with Hand Behind Side Bend

  1. Starting Position:

    • Sit on the floor with your legs crossed in a Lotus position. If this is uncomfortable, you can sit cross-legged instead.

    • Ensure your spine is straight, shoulders relaxed, and your hands resting on your knees.

  2. Hand Placement:

    • Interlace your fingers and raise your arms overhead, keeping your elbows slightly bent.

    • Ensure that your wrists are straight, and your palms face upward.

  3. Prepare for the Side Bend:

    • Take a deep breath in, elongating your spine and reaching your arms higher.

    • As you exhale, slowly bend to one side, bringing your left elbow toward the floor while keeping your right arm extended overhead.

  4. Side Bend:

    • Move your torso to the left while maintaining a firm grip with your left hand on your wrist or forearm.

    • Go until you feel a gentle stretch along the right side of your torso. Make sure not to overextend; the stretch should feel comfortable.

  5. Hold the Position:

    • Stay in this position for 15-30 seconds, breathing deeply and relaxed.

    • Focus on expanding your rib cage and feeling the stretch in your side.

  6. Return to Center:

    • Inhale to slowly return to the starting seated position, raising your arms overhead again.

  7. Repeat on the Other Side:

    • Follow the same steps, this time bending to the right, keeping your left arm extended overhead.

  8. Finishing:

    • After completing both sides, relax your arms and place your hands on your knees. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

Tips:

  • Ensure your movements are slow and controlled to avoid straining.

  • If you feel any discomfort in your knees or back, adjust your leg position or stop the exercise.

  • Keep your focus on your breathing throughout the exercise.

Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind FAQs

What muscles does the Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind work?

The Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind mainly works the core, with help from the back. The main muscles are the obliques and rectus abdominis.

What equipment do you need for the Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind?

None. The Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What are some Seated Side-Bend Lotus Pose Hand Behind variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Ardha Matsyendrasana Pose, Easy Pose, Seated Meditation Pose and Eight Angle Pose.

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