Uttanapadasana - The Raised Leg Pose

In Sanskrit, "Uttana" means 'raised' and "Pada" means 'feet'. In this yoga posture, the feet are raised up.

Sequence:

1. Lie down on the floor on your back with your legs straight and joined together.
2. Keep your hands on either side, palms facing down.
3. Inhale and raise both the legs from the ground.
4. Knees should be straight and toes pointing outward.
5. Keep raising your legs till they are perpendicular to the ground.
6. Fix your gaze at the toes.
7. Maintain this posture for as long as you can, breathing normally.
8. Exhale and lower your legs gradually.

Variation: You can also perform this pose by raising one leg at a time.

Benefits:

• Waist and thighs lose fat and get trimmer.
• The muscles of the abdomen and lower back become stronger.
• Leg muscles are stretched and toned.
• Regular practice of Uttanapadasana improves digestion.