Parvatasana - The Mountain Pose

"Parvat" stands for ‘mountain’. In this pose the hands are kept in a position that resembles the peak of a mountain.

Sequence:

1. Sit straight up and assume Padmasana.
2. Intertwine the fingers of both hands to form a finger lock.
3. Inhale and raise the arms above your head.
4. Stretch the arms so that they are straight.
5. The posterior and knees should remain on the ground.
6. Turn up your palms over the head.
7. Exhale.
8. Inhale and now and stretch your arms further up feeling the tug on the shoulder blades.
9. Stretch your trunk upwards and remain in this posture for about ten seconds.
10. Exhale and return to Padmasana.

You can also perform the pose with the palms joined together and fingers stretched up.

Benefits:

• Parvatasana helps develop a proper breathing technique.
• With regular practice of the pose, your lung capacity will increase.
• Parvatasana helps reduce flab from the abdomen, tummy, hips and the waist.
• The pose has a slimming effect on the physique.
• The spine and ribs are stretched.
• The abdomen, pelvis and side muscles are pulled up and hence get toned.
• Muscles of the diaphragm develop strength.