Supported forward fold balance

Standing Splits

Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana ऊर्ध्वप्रसारितैकपादासन

IntermediárioAprox. a brief, supported explorationPronúncia: 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.

Ilustração linear de Standing Splits (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana)
Nome em sânscritoUrdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana
Tipo de práticaSupported forward fold balance
Nível sugeridoIntermediário
Pratique dentro de uma faixa confortávelEste guia é apenas educativo e não substitui aconselhamento médico individualizado. Interrompa se sentir dor aguda, dormência, tontura ou dificuldade para respirar.

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.

Referências e leituras adicionais

Estas referências fornecem contexto geral. Elas não validam todas as orientações desta página nem substituem a instrução de um professor qualificado.

  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.