Yoga Anatomy

Purvottanasana

Upward Plank Pose

POOR-vo-tan-AHS-anna

purva = front, east; ut = intense; tan = extend, stretch

E5267/Kaminoff/fig11.20/417822/alw/pulled-r2

Gastrocnemius

Hamstrings

Psoas

minor

Spinal

extensors

Triceps

brachii

Internal oblique Platysma

Gluteus

maximus

Classification

Symmetrical backward-bending arm support pose

Skeletal joint actions

Spine Upper limbs Lower limbs

Extension Scapular downward rotation,

elevation, and adduction;

shoulder extension; elbow

extension; wrist dorsiflexion

SI joint counternutation, hip

extension and adduction,

knee extension, ankle plan-

tar flexion

(continued)