Twist Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800156

Chair Twist at Chair Parivrtta Utkatasana (chair)

A seated spinal twist performed in a chair. The accessible version for offices, older practitioners and limited mobility.

Practice Chair Twist at Chair (Parivrtta Utkatasana (chair)) 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.
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Chair Twist at Chair (Parivrtta Utkatasana (chair)) — Twist Yoga Posture Illustration

Chair Twist at Chair (Parivrtta Utkatasana (chair)) — Twist posture targeting Obliques, Back · Exhale to turn breath · Over shoulder drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Parivrtta Utkatasana (chair)
Posture Family
Twist
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
40 seconds
Breath Pattern
Exhale to turn
Drishti (Gaze)
Over shoulder
Target Muscles
Obliques, Back
Energy Expenditure
2.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Chair Twist at Chair

Chair Twist at Chair (Parivrtta Utkatasana (chair)) belongs to the Twist posture family and engages the Obliques, Back at an intensity of approximately 2.0 METs. A seated spinal twist performed in a chair. The accessible version for offices, older practitioners and limited mobility.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Exhale to turn throughout the 40-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Over shoulder to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Obliques, Back.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (24 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: Neutral (0) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 40 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Pregnancy

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