Vinyala

Pose sheet

Raised Legs Pose

Uttāna Pādāsanaउत्तानपादासन

Arch your torso on your crown and buttocks, lifting joined legs and parallel arms.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Crown and buttocks; arms, legs, and back lifted off the floor.

Enter

  1. Lie on your back, legs together and arms alongside your body.
  2. Exhale; press your forearms down and arch your torso.
  3. Extend your neck; ground your crown and keep your buttocks down.
  4. Exhale and lift both legs together 45–50° above the floor.
  5. Raise your arms parallel to your legs and join your palms.

Hold

  1. Straighten your knees and elbows.
  2. Keep your thighs, knees, ankles, and feet together.
  3. Turn your thighs slightly inward.
  4. Keep your chest lifted and direct your tailbone toward your heels.

Exit

  1. Exhale and slowly lower your arms and legs to the floor.
  2. Plant your forearms; press your elbows down to lift your head.
  3. Lower your back and head; rest on your back.
Breathing
Breathe normally, without breath holds.
Gaze
Tip of the nose.
Duration
About 30 seconds.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Forearm supportKeep your forearms grounded and your legs lifted.
  • Grounded legsKeep your legs on the floor and maintain forearm support.
  • BlocksSupport chest and head on blocks; keep your legs grounded.

Variations

  • Supine, without backbend: legs together at 30°, head supported.
  • Padotthanasana: one leg raised; head and back supported.

Signals of effort

  • Weight on the crown.
  • Marked extension of spine and neck.
  • Arms and legs held without support.