Core Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800298

Cycling Legs Pada Sanchalanasana (cycling)

Pedalling the legs in the air on the back. Simple hip flexor and abdominal conditioning.

Practice Cycling Legs (Pada Sanchalanasana (cycling)) 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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Cycling Legs (Pada Sanchalanasana (cycling)) — Core Yoga Posture Illustration

Cycling Legs (Pada Sanchalanasana (cycling)) — Core posture targeting Abs, Hip Flexors, Quads · Natural breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Pada Sanchalanasana (cycling)
Posture Family
Core
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
45 seconds
Breath Pattern
Natural
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Abs, Hip Flexors, Quads
Energy Expenditure
3.5 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Cycling Legs

Cycling Legs (Pada Sanchalanasana (cycling)) belongs to the Core posture family and engages the Abs, Hip Flexors, Quads at an intensity of approximately 3.5 METs. Pedalling the legs in the air on the back. Simple hip flexor and abdominal conditioning.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Natural throughout the 45-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Upward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Abs, Hip Flexors, Quads.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 4 years (48 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: Mildly Increases (+1) — 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

  • Low back injury

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