Standing Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800854

One-Legged Triangle Pose Eka Pada Trikonasana

Triangle Pose with one leg lifted. Halving the base doubles the demand on the supporting side and exposes any left-to-right imbalance immediately.

Practice One-Legged Triangle Pose (Eka Pada Trikonasana) 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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One-Legged Triangle Pose (Eka Pada Trikonasana) — Standing Yoga Posture Illustration

One-Legged Triangle Pose (Eka Pada Trikonasana) — Standing posture targeting Hamstrings, Obliques, Inner Thighs, Legs, Glutes, Abs · Even ujjayi breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Eka Pada Trikonasana
Posture Family
Standing
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
45 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Hamstrings, Obliques, Inner Thighs, Legs, Glutes, Abs
Energy Expenditure
4.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for One-Legged Triangle Pose

One-Legged Triangle Pose (Eka Pada Trikonasana) belongs to the Standing posture family and engages the Hamstrings, Obliques, Inner Thighs, Legs, Glutes, Abs at an intensity of approximately 4.0 METs. Triangle Pose with one leg lifted. Halving the base doubles the demand on the supporting side and exposes any left-to-right imbalance immediately.

  • 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 Hamstrings, Obliques, Inner Thighs, Legs, Glutes, Abs.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 5 years (60 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 45 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Neck injury
  • Low blood pressure
  • Balance disorders

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