How To Teach Purvottanasana: Intense Eastward Facing Stretch

by | Backbends, Core Strength Postures, Yoga Lesson Planning Tips

How To Teach Purvottanasana

How To Teach Purvottanasana: Intense Eastward Facing Stretch


Step 1
Teach The Philosophy


Explain to your students the philosophy behind purvottanasana. 

You could say something like:

“As the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the east is considered the direction of new beginnings and unlimited potential.”


Step 2
Teach The Benefits


Explain a few of the benefits.  You don’t have to give them all!

Physical Benefits

  • Strengthen core
  • Strengthen back, triceps, wrists, back, and legs
  • Stretches your shoulders, chest, and front ankles
  • Counter to forward bend

Mental/Emotional Benefits

  • Keeps you open to new possibilities

Step 3
Quick Teaching Tips


  • Point fingers towards body.
  • Point fingers away from body.
  • Push through your thumbs and big toes.
  • Avoid hardening buttocks.
  • Firm shoulder blades against your back.
  • Fight gravity from pulling your head down by keeping it elongated.
  • Keep a slight chin tuck as you lower crown of head towards floor.

Step 4
Teach The Counter Pose


A good counter pose is dandasana.


Step 5
Watch A Video Tutorial


Watch videos of other yoga teachers teaching Purvottanasana. Below is one to get you started.

http://youtu.be/iDZ73xcunDU


Step 6
Get The Yoga Genie Lesson Planner


OK. You got me. This isn’t a step. But you can save loads of your precious time creating yoga lesson plans with our Drag & Drop Yoga Genie Lesson Planner.

YOGA PLANNER