Parivrtta Parsva Konasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose) is a Level 1 Standing Pose. But, what makes it so hard is the twisting action over the bent leg. We will start by twisting over a straight leg in Parivrtta Trikonasana.
First lets define a twist. A twist is defined as a change in direction betweem the hips and the shoulders along the length of the spine where one part stays stationary (in this pose it is the hips) and the other part rotates (in this pose it is the shoulders).
We will begin in a usual warm up sequence of Adho Mukha Virasana (Child’s Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) and Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) but we will use a chair in order to lengthen the spine.
Adho Mukha Virasana with a chair
Adho Mukha Svanasana with a chair
Uttanasana with a chair
Then we will do Trikonasana with a chair to create length in the sides of the torso.
Utthita Trikonasana with chair
The we will work on Parivrtta Trikonasana using the chair for stability in the hips and leverage to turn the trunk.
Parivrtta Trikonasana hand on chair, upright stage
Parivrtta Trikonasana foream on chair, top hand presses down to turn the trunk.
Parivrtta Trikonasana with top hand on chair, bottom hand on floor
Then we will do Utthita Parsva Konasana (Extended Side Angle Pose) to get the basic shape on the chair.
Next we will work on twisting the spine in Utthita Marichyasana I. Because the twist is done in Tadasana, it is easier to access the spine.
Utthita Marichyasana I (Standing Sage Pose I)
Now we are ready to try Parivrtta Parsva Konasana. We will do it in four stages: Upright, hands to chair back, hand to floor or block, full pose.
Parivrtta Parsva Konasana on chair, upright stage
Parivrtta Parsva Konasana on chair, holding the back of the chair
Parivrtta Parsva Konasana on chair, top arm up to open the chest
Parivrtta Parsva Konasana on chair, full version of the pose.
If you’d like, you can practice along with a video of this sequence. Click here.