Hip Opener Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800046

Bound Angle Pose Baddha Konasana

Seated with soles together and knees dropping wide. The primary seated hip opener and a common preparation for meditation seats.

Practice Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
Download on the App Store
Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) — Hip Opener Yoga Posture Illustration

Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) — Hip Opener posture targeting Inner Thighs, Hip Flexors, Glutes · Even ujjayi breath · Nasagra drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Baddha Konasana
Posture Family
Hip Opener
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
90 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Nasagra
Target Muscles
Inner Thighs, Hip Flexors, Glutes
Energy Expenditure
2.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Bound Angle Pose

Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) belongs to the Hip Opener posture family and engages the Inner Thighs, Hip Flexors, Glutes at an intensity of approximately 2.0 METs. Seated with soles together and knees dropping wide. The primary seated hip opener and a common preparation for meditation seats.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 90-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Nasagra to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Inner Thighs, Hip Flexors, Glutes.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (36 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 90 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury
  • Groin strain

iOS App for iPhone & iPad

Practice with 908 illustrated postures, custom prāṇāyāma timers & dosha meal plans

Combine classical Vata, Pitta, and Kapha balance, Six Tastes (Shad Rasa), and seasonal Ritucharya routines with verified USDA calorie, macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral tracking.

Related Hip Opener Yoga Poses

Cradle Stretch with Block (Hindolasana (block))Hip Opener · Level 1

Cradle Stretch with Block (Hindolasana (block))

Cradle Stretch taken with a block under the supporting hand or beneath the seat. The prop shortens the distance to the floor so the spine can stay long instead of rounding to reach it.

Low Lunge with Strap (Anjaneyasana (strap))Hip Opener · Level 1

Low Lunge with Strap (Anjaneyasana (strap))

Low Lunge approached with a strap. The strap stands in for a reach the shoulders or hamstrings cannot yet make, so the shape is entered honestly rather than forced into a rounded compromise.

Garland Pose with Strap (Malasana (strap))Hip Opener · Level 1

Garland Pose with Strap (Malasana (strap))

Garland Pose approached with a strap. The strap stands in for a reach the shoulders or hamstrings cannot yet make, so the shape is entered honestly rather than forced into a rounded compromise.

Cow Face Pose with Strap (Gomukhasana (strap))Hip Opener · Level 1

Cow Face Pose with Strap (Gomukhasana (strap))

Cow Face Pose approached with a strap. The strap stands in for a reach the shoulders or hamstrings cannot yet make, so the shape is entered honestly rather than forced into a rounded compromise.