Video:How to Perform Gate Pose

Transcript:How to Perform Gate Pose

Hi, I’m Joelle a yoga teacher and blogger at Yoga Nation. We are here at Go Yoga in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for About.com. Today I’m going to show you how to perform Parighasana - Gate pose.

How to Perform Gate Pose, or Parighasana

Kneel on the floor with your legs together. Extend your right leg out to the right with the foot in line with the torso and the left knee. Turn the toes forward so that they are parallel with your body. On an inhale, extend your arms out at shoulder height. On an exhale, side bend to the right, letting the back of your right hand rest down on your shin. Bring your left hand up and over the ear, close to the head. Stay and breathe.

Benefits of Gate Pose, or Parighasana

This pose not only stretches the abdominal organs it also helps to relieve back pain. Remember this is a side bend, so as you take your arms out to the side, look for a feeling of stretch in the opposite waist and don’t let your hips shift.

After you’ve taken 5 – 10 deep breaths on the right side, inhale and come up, bringing your knees together. Then, extend your left leg out to the left and do the same on the other side.

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