The chair pose, also known in Sanskrit as “utkatasana,” is a strong yoga posture that strengthens the legs, core, and back muscles. This is an intermediate-level pose that should be practiced with proper alignment and care. Begin by standing with your feet together or hip distance apart to begin the chair pose. Inhale and extend your arms overhead, reaching for the sky. Bend your knees as you exhale, as if you were sitting back in a chair. Check that your knees are directly above your ankles and not past your toes. Maintain a tucked-in tailbone and a lifted chest. Maintain an overhead posture with your arms overhead and your shoulder blades down and together. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths before releasing it by straightening your legs and lowering your arms. By engaging the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, the chair pose strengthens the legs and core. It also helps with balance because you must maintain stability while in the pose. This posture is also said to improve digestion and stimulate the abdominal organs, which can aid in digestion. The chair pose also strengthens the back muscles, particularly the trapezius muscles in the upper back. This can help to improve […] read more