intermediate · Parivrtta Trikonasana
Revolved Triangle
Parivrtta Trikonasana
Animated Revolved Triangle
Scroll to move from a neutral stand into Revolved Triangle. With reduced motion, the final shape stays still.
Alignment cues
- Take a shorter stance than classic triangle with both legs straight
- Hinge forward and place the opposite hand on the floor or a block beside the front foot
- Reach the top arm up toward the ceiling
- Rotate the ribs while the hips stay fairly square
- Lengthen through the crown in both directions
Variants
- Block under bottom hand. Bring the floor closer when the palm does not land cleanly
- Back heel lifted. Keep the back heel high on a short stance for easier squaring
Revolved triangle (parivrtta trikonasana)
Parivrtta trikonasana uses a shorter stance, bottom hand on the floor, and top arm reaching skyward while the torso revolves.
Why it helps
NCCIH stress-management summaries address yoga as a whole practice, not parivrtta trikonasana alone (Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety (NCCIH)).
How to do it well
Step into a narrow triangle, square hips forward, and hinge with a flat back. With the right foot forward, plant the left hand inside the front foot or on a block, then spin the ribs toward the front leg. Reach the top arm vertical and press the back thigh back. Keep both legs active with soft knees if hamstrings complain. Breath stays smooth while the waistline rotates.
A common mistake and how to scale it
A common mistake is bending the front leg and dumping the torso onto the thigh to touch the floor. Scale by lifting a block under the bottom hand and shortening the stance until both legs stay straight without strain.
When to use caution
Twist conservatively if lumbar spine disease makes rotation tender. NCCIH also names knee or hip injuries, severe high blood pressure, balance issues, and glaucoma as clinician topics (Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety (NCCIH)).
Practice with the atlas
Pause three breaths, unwind carefully, and swap the feet before flowing into a gentle forward fold.