Straight angle pose is a foundational standing yoga stance with a wide leg position and arms extended out to the sides. It is the starting position for many wide-stance yoga poses and serves as a stretch and strength builder for the inner thighs, hips, and core. It often transitions into Triangle, Warrior II, and Wide-Legged Forward Bend.
Muscle Group
Adductors, Hips, Thighs, Yoga
Equipment Required
Bodyweight
Type
Flexibility
Equipment
Band
Difficulty
Intermediate
Key Benefits
- Foundational stance for wide-leg yoga poses
- Stretches the inner thighs and hips
- Builds shoulder endurance
- Improves balance and stance awareness
- No equipment needed
- Easy starting position
How to perform
- Stand with your feet about three to four feet apart, parallel and toes pointing forward.
- Stand tall with your spine long.
- Extend both arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height, palms down.
- Feel the wide stance through your inner thighs and the arm extension through your shoulders.
- Engage your core. Press through the outside edges of both feet.
- Hold for 5 to 8 breaths.
- Use this position to transition into Triangle Pose, Warrior II, or Wide-Legged Forward Bend.
- Maintain even weight distribution between both feet.
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
Abs
Primary
Quadriceps
Primary