Hip Opener Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800010

Low Lunge Anjaneyasana

Back knee down, hips sinking forward, arms often overhead. The primary hip flexor opener and a staple of the sun salutation cycle.

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Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana) — Hip Opener Yoga Posture Illustration

Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana) — Hip Opener posture targeting Hip Flexors, Quads, Glutes · Even ujjayi breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Anjaneyasana
Posture Family
Hip Opener
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
45 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Hip Flexors, Quads, Glutes
Energy Expenditure
3.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Low Lunge

Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana) belongs to the Hip Opener posture family and engages the Hip Flexors, Quads, Glutes at an intensity of approximately 3.0 METs. Back knee down, hips sinking forward, arms often overhead. The primary hip flexor opener and a staple of the sun salutation cycle.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi 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 Hip Flexors, Quads, Glutes.
  • 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: Pacifies (-1) — 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

  • Knee injury

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