Vinyala

Pose sheet

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose II

Ardha Matsyendrāsana IIअर्धमत्स्येन्द्रासन II

Seated Half Lotus twist, holding the foot of the extended leg.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Both sitting bones and extended leg; folded knee grounded when accessible.

Enter

  1. Sit in Staff Pose with both legs extended.
  2. Bend your right leg; place its foot on your left thigh.
  3. Bring the foot toward the hip crease, rotating through the hip.
  4. Exhale, turn left; reach behind and hold your right shin.
  5. Hold your left foot; straighten the left leg and right arm.

Hold

  1. Keep both sitting bones grounded and your left leg on the floor.
  2. Bring your knees toward each other without pushing.
  3. Lengthen your spine and keep your chest lifted.
  4. Turn your head toward your right shoulder.

Exit

  1. Release both grips and return your torso to center.
  2. Lift the foot off your thigh and extend both legs.
  3. Repeat on the other side, switching legs, arms, and direction.
Breathing
Exhale to twist; breathe normally while holding.
Gaze
Over the Half Lotus shoulder.
Duration
30–60 seconds per side.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Front strapLoop a strap around the extended foot and hold it.
  • Back hand on thighHold the Half Lotus thigh instead of the shin.
  • BlanketsRaise the seat and knee support to the same height.

Variations

  • Big-toe-hold variation: hold the extended foot's big toe.
  • Nose-gaze variation: head follows the twist, gaze toward the nose.
  • III: Half Lotus, opposite knee raised, and foot held.

Signals of effort

  • Torso rotation with one leg in Half Lotus.
  • Deep flexion of the Half Lotus knee.
  • Back arm bound behind the torso.
  • Foot held with the leg extended.