Revolved Extended Side Angle Pose, or Parivrtta Parsvakonasana, is a powerful standing twist that strengthens the lower body, engages the core, and stretches the spine. As a variation of Extended Side Angle Pose, it adds a deep spinal rotation, enhancing detoxification and mental focus while improving flexibility and balance.

Often included in Vinyasa, Hatha, and Power Yoga flows, this pose demands stability, breath control, and alignment awareness—making it a transformative posture for intermediate and advanced practitioners alike.

Benefits of Revolved Side Angle

• Strengthens the Lower Body: Engages quads, glutes, calves, and ankles
• Improves Spinal Mobility: Deep twist promotes thoracic rotation
• Stimulates Digestion: Compresses abdominal organs to support detox
• Enhances Balance and Coordination: Challenges body awareness and stability
• Opens Chest and Shoulders: Encourages postural alignment and breathing space
• Builds Core Strength: Engages obliques and deep abdominal muscles

How to Practice Revolved Side Angle

1. Start in Warrior I with your right foot forward.
2. Bring your hands to prayer at your heart.
3. Inhale to lengthen the spine; exhale to twist toward your front leg.
4. Hook your left elbow outside your right thigh.
5. Keep your back leg strong and straight, with the heel lifted (or grounded for stability).
6. Press palms together to deepen the twist.
7. Option to extend the top arm overhead and the bottom hand to the floor or a block.
8. Keep your chest rotating toward the sky.
9. Gaze can be down, forward, or up depending on neck comfort.
10. Hold for 3–5 breaths, then return to center and repeat on the other side.

Contraindications

1. Spinal or Disc Injuries: Avoid or modify with less rotation
2. Knee Issues: Be mindful of front-knee alignment and depth
3. Pregnancy: Avoid deep twists—use open twist variations instead
4. Balance Concerns: Use props or perform near a wall
5. High Blood Pressure: Avoid turning the head upward; gaze forward or down

Modifications & Variations of Revolved Chair

Modifications:

• Use a Block: Place a block under the bottom hand for stability
• Keep Hands in Prayer: Skip arm extension to focus on the twist
• Lower Back Knee: Drop the back knee to the mat for more stability
• Wall Support: Use a wall to help with balance and alignment

Variations:

• Full Bind: Wrap the top arm behind the back and reach the bottom arm under the thigh
• Knee Down Twist: Lower the back knee for a more accessible version
• Arm Extended Overhead: Reach the top arm past the ear for a diagonal stretch
• Revolved Crescent Variation: Start from High Lunge for a more dynamic entry

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Letting the Front Knee Collapse Inward: Keep the knee tracking over the toes
2. Rounding the Spine: Prioritize length before deepening the twist
3. Collapsing into the Bottom Hand: Keep core engaged and lift through the chest
4. Forcing the Twist: Ease into the rotation—never wrench or strain
5. Holding the Breath: Breathe steadily to support the twist and stability

When to Avoid or Modify Revolved Side Angle

• Pregnancy (especially second and third trimester): Replace with open or seated twists
• Neck or Shoulder Pain: Keep the gaze down and arms in a comfortable position
• SI Joint or Low Back Pain: Avoid deep twists or grounding the elbow too forcefully
• Balance or Dizziness Issues: Use props or wall support
• After Surgery (spine, abdominal, or hip): Practice only with medical clearance

Why Practice Revolved Side Angle?

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana is a dynamic, full-body posture that combines the grounding power of standing poses with the detoxifying and energizing qualities of spinal twists. It strengthens and stabilizes the lower body, improves spinal health, and builds deep core strength—all while cultivating balance, breath control, and focus. A strong addition to any well-rounded yoga practice, this pose is both challenging and deeply rewarding.