Extended side angle pose strengthens the shoulders, spine, legs, hamstrings, hips, and calves. It opens up the chest and shoulders and builds strength in the core muscles.
Standing
Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana)
This asana deeply stretches the hamstrings and calves while challenging our sense of balance and coordination. It’s a great preparatory pose for asanas like the Standing Split Pose or the Monkey Pose.
Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
The Eagle pose is highly recommended to those with stiff shoulders, knees, or ankles. It removes stiffness upon regular practice and makes both arms and legs more flexible.
Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana)
A wonderful alternative to Downward Facing Dog Pose, this pose utilizes the strength of the forearms, instead of the wrists. It is a semi inversion pose that directs the flow of the blood towards the head, strengthening the upper body and increasing our ability to concentrate and remain calm.
Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
Chair Pose is a standing pose that works on the entire body, strengthening the arms, shoulders, back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles. Specifically, it activates the thigh muscles because while practicing this asana we have to sit on an imaginary chair with our arms lifted up.