Asana · Practise on your own
Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana B
Extended hand-to-big-toe pose B
Extended hand-to-big-toe pose, second stage. The held leg opens out to the side.
Awaiting subject reviewWritten from our source material and not yet checked by a teacher of this practice. Read it as reference, and learn the practice from someone who teaches it.
- Meaning
- utthita = extended, hasta = hand, pada = foot, angustha = big toe, asana = seat or posture
- Family
- Standing balance
- Level
- Intermediate
- Gaze
- To the side, away from the open leg
Take care
Open the leg only as far as the standing hip stays level. Stand near a wall if needed.
How it is done
- 1
Breathe in
Holding the big toe as in stage A, open the leg out to the right side.
- 2
Breathe freely
Turn the head to look left, and stay for five breaths.
- 3
Breathe in
Bring the leg back to the centre.
Holding it
Five breaths on each side.
Making it easier
Keep the knee bent, or use a strap.
What the tradition says it does
- Opens the inner thigh and hip of the lifted leg
- Builds balance
A note on the tradition
The lettering of the stages of this pose varies between lineages and awaits subject review.
Variations
Sources and tradition
- YOG Union App Content Map, 2 November 2026, p. 4
- Ashtanga Primary Series as commonly taught in the Mysore style; sequence order and counts await subject review