Revolved Triangle (Parivrtta Trikonasana)
Revolved triangle is a standing twist yoga posture that targets the obliques and challenges hamstring flexibility. It involves rotating the torso over a straight front leg while reaching the opposite hand to the floor, promoting spinal rotation and lateral body strength.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart and extend your arms to the sides.
- Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in 45-60 degrees.
- Exhale and rotate your torso to the right, placing your left hand on the floor outside your right foot or on a block.
- Extend your right arm toward the ceiling and open your chest, stacking your shoulders vertically.
- Hold for 20-30 seconds, then return to standing and repeat on the other side.
Form cues
- Keep your hips square to the front
- Lengthen your spine before twisting
- Stack your shoulders vertically
- Keep your front leg engaged but not locked
- Look toward your top hand if comfortable
Breathing: Exhale as you twist deeper into the pose to release tension; maintain steady, deep breaths throughout.
Common mistakes
- Rounding the spine: reduces the effectiveness of the twist and puts pressure on discs.
- Allowing the hips to shift: prevents isolation of the obliques and makes the balance unstable.
- Forcing the hand to the floor: causes the chest to collapse and compromises shoulder alignment.
- Locking the front knee: can cause joint strain; keep a micro-bend for safety.
Muscles worked
Primary: obliques. Secondary: hamstrings, lower back, shoulders.
Suggested sets & reps
Get fitter
3 sets x 30-45s per side, rest 45s
Lose weight
3 sets x 30s per side, rest 30s
Build muscle
3 sets x 45s per side, rest 60s
Easier, harder & alternatives
Make it easier
Make it harder
Take care if…
- If you have lower back sensitivity, keep the twist gentle and avoid forcing your range of motion.
- If you feel sharp pain in your knees or hips, ease off or choose a gentler variation.
General educational guidance, not medical advice. Stop on sharp pain and check with a qualified professional if unsure.
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
Can I do this if I cannot reach the floor?
Absolutely. Use a yoga block or a sturdy stack of books under your hand to bring the floor to you.
Where should I feel the stretch?
You should feel a gentle stretch in your hamstrings and a rotation through your waist and obliques.
Is it normal to feel dizzy?
If you feel dizzy, keep your gaze toward the floor rather than looking up at your hand.