Yoga Journal USA – June 2017

(Barré) #1

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
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