Urdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana: Standing Splits Pose

Urdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana: Standing Splits Pose

Urdhva prasarita ekapadasana (OORD-vah pra-sa-REE-tah EH-kah pahd-AS-ah-nah) is a great pose for practicing balance and increasing flexibility in the hamstrings. Standing splits also helps stabilize the hips and pelvis (with correct, closed-hip alignment), making it a great pose for building a solid foundation for your asana practice.

Philosophy + Origin

A variation of Hanumanasana (front splits pose), standing splits requires many of the same physical attributes and awareness. This version of the splits is physically challenging and asks to respect where you are today. Think of your lifted leg as an opportunity to strive and your lower leg as a reminder to be patient with your capacity at this moment.

ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:

  • Place two blocks under your hands to bring the ground closer to you.
  • Put the sole of your lifted foot against a wall for more stability.

STEP-BY-STEP:

  1. Begin in a lunge with your right foot forward. Place your hands on either side of your front foot, on blocks or the ground.
  2. Shift your weight onto your right foot and slide your left foot in, then lift it off the ground.
  3. Find a halfway lift in your torso, then fold your chest toward your toes.
  4. Lift your left leg up as high as  you can while keeping hips level to the ground.
  5. Hold for up to 60 seconds before lowering the left leg to a forward fold. Pause for a few breaths then step the right foot back and repeat on the other side.

PREPARATORY POSES:

SEQUENTIAL POSES:

COUNTER POSES:

SANSKRIT:

  • Urdhva = upward
  • Prasarita = wide stance
  • Eka = one
  • Pada = foot
  • Asana = pose

PHYSICAL BENEFITS:

  • Stretches hip flexors, calves, and hamstrings.
  • Creates stability in pelvis and hips.


Camatkarasana: Wild Thing Pose

ADJUSTMENTS    |     BENEFITS   |     SEQUENCING    |     SANSKRIT    |     STEPS

Camatkarasana (kam-at-ka-RAS-uh-nah) is a joyful pose to open the chest and shoulders while improving balance.

Philosophy + Origin

One translations of camatkarasana is “the ecstatic unfolding of the enraptured heart.” This poetic image reflects the joy many experience when practicing this pose. Because of its ability to stimulate anahata (heart chakra), practicing this pose is said to bring feelings of love, peace, acceptance, and confidence. By leading with our hearts, we live fearlessly and without restraint.

Read Article

Our unique blend of yoga, meditation, personal transformation, and alternative healing content is designed for those seeking to not just enhance their physical, spiritual, and intellectual capabilities, but to fuse them in the knowledge that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.


Use the same account and membership for TV, desktop, and all mobile devices. Plus you can download videos to your device to watch offline later.

Desktop, laptop, tablet, phone devices with Gaia content on screens
Testing message will be here