Side-Reclining Leg Lift (Anantasana)
Pose Overview
| Common Name | Side-Reclining Leg Lift |
| Traditional Sanskrit Name | Anantasana |
| Sanskrit Name Pronunciation | ah-nun-TAHS-ah-nuh |
| Pose Difficulty | Beginner |
| Drishti
Drishti is the gaze or visual focus point during yoga poses.
Learn more about Drishti |
Side-Reclining Leg Lift, or Anantasana in Sanskrit, is a restorative yoga pose that is said to be beneficial for stretching out the legs and hips, as well as for strengthening the core and lower back. The name of the pose comes from the fact that it involves reclining on one side of the body, with one leg extended and the other leg bent and resting on the floor. The pose is said to be helpful for relieving tension in the lower back and hips, and for promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Benefits of Side-Reclining Leg Lift
strengthens the core and hips, improves balance, stretches the oblique muscles
How to Enter Side-Reclining Leg Lift
Lie on your side with your legs straight and stacked on top of each other. Bring your top arm behind your head and rest your head on it. Use your bottom arm to support your body by placing it on the ground in front of you. Keep your legs straight and lift the top leg up towards the ceiling.
How to Exit Side-Reclining Leg Lift
Slowly lower the top leg back down to the ground and release your head from your arm. Roll onto your back to rest.
Common Side-Reclining Leg Lift Modifications & Variations
To modify the pose, bend the bottom leg and place the foot flat on the ground for support. To increase the challenge, you can also add a twist to the pose by reaching the top arm towards the ceiling.
Common Mistakes with Side-Reclining Leg Lift
Not engaging the core, not stacking the legs on top of each other, not keeping the legs straight
Safety Guidance
Make sure to keep your core engaged to prevent straining your back. Be mindful of any knee or hip injuries and adjust accordingly.
