Anatomy of Asana: Revolved Chair Pose

8/26/2016

In this video, we explore the alignment of the pelvis, spine and knees in parivrtta utkatasana, revolved chair pose. We revisit some of the themes presented in other recent videos that we've posted about rotated postures (e.g., the benefits of maintaining a neutral spine and allowing the pelvis to follow the lumbar spine during twists), but with specific cues that pertain to revolved chair pose. We also discuss the common cue to "keep the knees level" in this pose and present an alternative viewpoint as we feel that the outside knee should move forward a bit to accommodate the rotation of the pelvis.

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8 Comments

kim

8/26/2016 01:40:47 pm

Very confused by this. 1. I would always cue to tone the belly/naval towards the spine to protect the low back (creating stability) and this also lengthens that part of the spine to enable the twist. 2. Then the pelvis does not go along for the ride… because then you are not twisting. And the knees stay in line with each other because the pelvis has not changed it's alignment. Another cue on twists could be to lengthen from the tailbone to the crown (to elongate the spine) What form of yoga is this? What is you background for study? thanks.

Angela

8/26/2016 04:31:14 pm

I agree with the question and realize the presenter is attempting to show a twist that allows for pelvic accompaniment. There is a somatic reason for both kinds of twists. This method shows less isolation and is less likely to de-stabilize the pelvis. Abiding the lumbar rotation and emphasizing torso rotation. You just have to know your intention. Perhaps this would work for someone with limited mobility and lumbar and sacri-iliac instability.

Jason link

8/26/2016 07:27:55 pm

Hi Angela - Thanks for your comment. I'm not sure why you would say that it would only benefit someone with limited mobility and lumbar/sacroiliac instability. From my perspective, practicing the way that we have presented here will help to diminish torque at both the lumbosacral and sacroiliac joints, and prevent the development of instability within a healthy body... and so would be beneficial for both those who already have instability as well as for those who want to avoid creating it.

Jason link

8/26/2016 06:52:07 pm

Hi Kim - thanks for your comment. I can understand your confusion, as I think it is pretty common within many traditions of yoga to teach revolved chair (and revolved triangle) with a level pelvis, and to keep the knees lined up. I taught the pose this way for years. I think that the points we make in this video will make much more sense if you first watch the related videos that we mention in the post, which we published recently. Specifically the revolved triangle video, as it goes into the anatomical benefit of allowing the pelvis to follow the lumbar spine into the twist in order to reduce potential torque in the sacroiliac joints. This one is meant to build upon and complement those videos, and is not a comprehensive analysis in and of itself.

As far as the style of yoga and my background, you can check out the About Us page for more information about me. But in general we're not advocating or showcasing any particular style of yoga but rather just exploring asana through the lens of anatomy and biomechanics in an effort to cultivate the benefits of each posture and decrease the risks to the joints.

Sarah Treadwell link

8/26/2016 11:15:27 pm

Great points! ASFYT training has made my own yoga and Pilates teaching much richer and safer for students. I am able to individualise and explain the 'why' of movements to clients, with a solid anatomical and biomehanical understanding. I'm also able to discuss client's injuries confidently with both the client themselves, and with other professionals such as physiotherapists. I'd highly recommend ASFYT training with Jason to movement professionals. Shout out to Ariana Rabinovich's podcast 'Yoga and Beyond' for getting me onto ASFYT. From one über body nerd to another, thanks, and keep the clips coming :)

Jason link

8/28/2016 05:11:55 pm

Hi Sarah! Thanks for your comments... happy to hear that you've enjoyed the ASFYT training we offer ;-)

Lucy

9/1/2016 06:25:14 am

Thanks so much i will try teaching this in class next week.. After i practice myself that is! Love your videos so helpful thanks :-)

Jason link

9/1/2016 08:15:30 am

Hi Lucy - thanks for stopping by!
Happy to hear that you're finding the videos helpful. Let us know how it goes when you teach it this way ;-)

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Anatomy of Asana: Revolved Chair Pose

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