Revolved Side Angle

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana

par-ee-VRIT-tah parsh-vah-koh-NAH-sah-nah

An intense twisting lunge that challenges balance, builds core strength, and stimulates the abdominal organs. Revolved Side Angle adds a deep spinal rotation to a lunge foundation, wringing out the torso and promoting healthy digestion. It requires significant hip flexibility, leg strength, and thoracic mobility, making it one of the more demanding standing twists.

How to do Revolved Side Angle

1. From a high lunge with your right foot forward, bring your palms together in prayer position at your heart. Ground your back heel or keep it lifted for more challenge.
2. On an exhale, twist your torso to the right, hooking your left elbow outside your right knee. Press your palms firmly together to create leverage that deepens the twist.
3. Continue to rotate your chest open toward the ceiling, stacking the shoulders as vertically as possible. Keep your front knee at 90 degrees and tracking over the ankle.
4. Keep the back leg strong and straight, pressing actively through the ball of the back foot (or the outer edge if the heel is grounded). Engage your core to maintain the twist.
5. Gaze toward the ceiling for the full expression, or keep the gaze neutral if the neck is sensitive. Hold for five to eight breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Benefits of Revolved Side Angle

• Deeply strengthens the quadriceps, glutes, and core
• Improves spinal rotation and thoracic mobility
• Stimulates the abdominal organs and aids digestion
• Builds balance and coordination under complex alignment demands
• Stretches the groin, spine, and chest

Muscles Engaged

Modifications & Variations

• Keep the back knee on the floor (Low Lunge version) for more stability
• Place the bottom hand on a block outside the front foot instead of using the elbow hook
• Keep arms in prayer position rather than extending them if balance is challenging

Cautions

• Avoid with herniated disc or acute spinal injury
• Use caution with low blood pressure; come out of the pose slowly
• Not recommended with chronic headaches aggravated by twists