Yoga Journal USA – June 2017

78

june 2017

yogajournal.com

3 ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose

Move into Sukhasana (Easy Pose), or a cross-

legged position. Place your right hand under your

right sit bone and move the flesh out and back.

Repeat on the left side. Then, extend your left leg

in front of you and bend your right knee, placing

your right foot on the floor by your left knee or

thigh. Inhale and lengthen your spine; exhale

and twist to your right, bringing your right hand

behind you and your left hand (or elbow) to the

outside of your right knee. This will give you a

gauge by which to assess the following variations:

A If your belly felt at all compressed or stuck

on the thigh that you twisted toward, try this:

Bring the sole of your right foot to your left thigh.

Bring your right hand to your low belly on the

right side. Move your belly to the left, in the oppo-

site direction of the twist. Then, bring your knee

up (widen your stance if needed) and come into

the twist again. Release your belly.

B If your left arm gets stuck on your chest as

you twist, lift the arm, and with your right hand,

move your left breast under your left arm in

order to make room for the arm. Then, bring

your left hand to the outside of your bent, right

leg; twist, and release your chest, bringing your

right hand behind you for support.

Use these practice tools to move your belly toward

the center of your torso—and your chest under

your arm—in other seated and standing twists.

B

A

OUR PRO Teacher and model Anna Guest-Jelley is the founder of Curvy Yoga, a resource for students and teachers of all shapes and

sizes who seek body-affirming practices. Her new book, Curvy Yoga, was published in January. Learn more at curvyyoga.com.