Hip Opener Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800692

Runner's Lunge with Strap Anjaneyasana (high) (strap)

Runner's Lunge approached with a strap. The strap stands in for a reach the shoulders or hamstrings cannot yet make, so the shape is entered honestly rather than forced into a rounded compromise.

Practice Runner's Lunge with Strap (Anjaneyasana (high) (strap)) 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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Runner's Lunge with Strap (Anjaneyasana (high) (strap)) — Hip Opener Yoga Posture Illustration

Runner's Lunge with Strap (Anjaneyasana (high) (strap)) — Hip Opener posture targeting Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Quads · Even ujjayi breath · Forward drishti.

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

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Runner's Lunge with Strap

Runner's Lunge with Strap (Anjaneyasana (high) (strap)) belongs to the Hip Opener posture family and engages the Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Quads at an intensity of approximately 3.0 METs. Runner's Lunge approached with a strap. The strap stands in for a reach the shoulders or hamstrings cannot yet make, so the shape is entered honestly rather than forced into a rounded compromise.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 45-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Forward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, 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: 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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