Twist Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800269

Chair Twist Bharadvajasana (chair)

A gentle seated rotation using the chair back for leverage. Safe for almost every body.

Practice Chair Twist (Bharadvajasana (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.
Download on the App Store
Chair Twist (Bharadvajasana (chair)) — Twist Yoga Posture Illustration

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

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

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Chair Twist

Chair Twist (Bharadvajasana (chair)) belongs to the Twist posture family and engages the Obliques, Back at an intensity of approximately 1.6 METs. A gentle seated rotation using the chair back for leverage. Safe for almost every body.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Exhale to turn throughout the 45-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 45 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Pregnancy

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 Twist Yoga Poses

Bound Deer Pose (Baddha Yin Mrigasana)Twist · Level 2

Bound Deer Pose (Baddha Yin Mrigasana)

Deer Pose with the arms binding. The bind deepens the rotation or the opening considerably and demands shoulder range before the pose itself can be entered at all.