Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga Posture – The Chair

The Chair Posture – (Utkatasana)

The overall body strength is boosted with this wonderful posture.

The literal translation of the word ‘Utkatasana’ from a Sanskrit is ‘Powerful Posture’. This standing squat strongly strengthens the lower body while stretching the upper back, bringing balance and stability to the entire body.

At the core level, the Chair posture teaches how to find the seat of power within the pelvis, at the center of the body, because the strength which drives this posture is in the pelvis which helps to maintain that sitting position for a quite long time.

If the pelvis is misaligned, the posture will be out of balance, often resulting in lower back pain and overworking the knee and ankle joints. When the pelvis is centered and aligned with gravity, there is a feeling of stamina and vitality within the posture, making the Chair posture vibrant and challenging.

To the external eye, it looks like a person sitting in an imaginary chair, but when you attempt to do it, however, it is definitely not a passive posture but a deep squat, which immediately engages the strength of the spine, thighs, calves, and the ankles.

The Chair posture helps to stimulate the abdominal organs, diaphragm and the heart which provides the extra power for the entire body. Practicing this posture helps proper digestion and helps with problems related to immune system.

The Chair posture strengthens and tones the arms and shoulders. It increases blood flow to the knees and ankles joints, and can reduce the flat feet. It can also relieve pain at the joints and the sciatic pain.

The Chair posture is a great asana bringing lots of benefits to a practitioner. However, there are a few health conditions where this posture should not be practiced.

There are three important reasons not to do the Chair posture:

1) If you have recent or chronic injury to the hips do not practice this posture.

2) In case of recent injury of the knees this posture is better to be avoided.

3) If you are suffering from constant headaches or insomnia do not attempt this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html