Supported forward fold balance

Standing Splits

Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana ऊर्ध्वप्रसारितैकपादासन

IntermédiaireEnv. a brief, supported explorationPrononciation : oordh-vuh pruh-sah-ree-tuh ay-kuh pah-dah-SAH-nuh (approximate English cue)

Standing Splits is a forward-fold balance in which one leg lifts behind the body. Keep both hands on blocks or a chair and the lifted leg low; hip height is optional, and the standing knee may bend.

Illustration au trait de Standing Splits (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana)
Nom sanskritUrdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana
Type de pratiqueSupported forward fold balance
Niveau suggéréIntermédiaire
Pratiquez dans une amplitude confortableCe guide est informatif et ne constitue pas un avis médical personnalisé. Arrêtez en cas de douleur aiguë, d’engourdissement, d’étourdissement ou d’inconfort respiratoire.

What is Standing Splits?

Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana is a balance variation of a standing forward fold. The lifted leg can stay low, and the hands can rest on raised support.

How do you explore a supported variation?

Place a chair or blocks in front of you and keep the stance stable.

  1. Begin in a shallow forward fold with both feet grounded.
  2. Bend the standing knee and place both hands on support.
  3. Slide the other toes back along the floor; only float the foot if balance remains easy.
  4. Keep the pelvis comfortable and the neck relaxed; do not push the lifted leg higher.
  5. Lower the lifted foot before slowly rising.

How can you modify Standing Splits?

Keep the lifted toes down, bend the standing knee, raise the hands, or practice with hands on a wall. Skip the balance if it feels unsteady.

When should you stop or modify?

Stop for pain, dizziness, or balance loss. This draft awaits qualified teacher review.

Common question: Does the lifted leg need to reach overhead?

No. A low, supported leg lift is a complete variation.

Références et lectures complémentaires

Ces références fournissent un contexte général. Elles ne valident pas chaque indication de cette page et ne remplacent pas les conseils d’un enseignant qualifié.

  1. Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). General context on yoga safety and balance modifications; not pose-specific instruction.