How to perform Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose 2
Grab your foot by the toe and straighten your leg, maintaining your Tadasana line. Lengthen through the crown of your head and keep your body from tipping over. Once balanced, open your leg out to the side. You can also use a belt if you lack hamstring flexibility.
What is Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana 2?
This is the second variation of Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana and is the standing version of Supta Padangusthasana 2. As you stay grounded through one foot and extend upwards through the crown of your head, your other leg is lifted parallel to the floor and opened out to the side.
This is an advanced pose that requires a substantial level of hip mobility and hamstring flexibility. You will also need strong foundations and a good sense of balance. It is important to maintain your Tadasana line throughout the pose and refrain from tipping over to the side. A belt can be used to make up for a lack of hamstring flexibility. Also, if you are still struggling with balancing in this pose, you can use wall support for your foot.
When to use Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana 2?
This asana, just like the first variation, is beneficial for extending and lengthening the hamstrings and calf muscles and for toning your abdominal and lower back muscles. An additional benefit is the extra opening in your hips.
This is why this pose is ideal for a more dynamic sequence aimed at strengthening your foundations. Usually, it comes a little later in the practice seen as such a strenuous asana requires some warming up. To prepare, you can do some hip-opening exercises. For example, start your sequence with Supta Baddha Konasana before going on into some standing poses, such as Utthita Trikonasana and Utthita Parsva Konasana.
