Triangle Pose (Trikanasana) is the last posture of the standing series, and there's good reason it comes at this point in the sequence. This guide breaks down Triangle's complex alignment, explains its therapeutic benefits, and helps you work safely toward your full expression of this powerful pose.
Why Triangle closes the standing series
Your body needs to be thoroughly warmed and stretched before attempting this comprehensive posture that works your entire body simultaneously. That's the whole logic of the standing series — by the time you reach Trikanasana (you'll also see it spelt Trikonasana outside the Bikram world), everything the posture demands has already been switched on. Triangle is intense. It's the posture our regulars mean when they tell us they "love the heat and challenge" — the one you spend twelve postures earning. It stretches your spine laterally, opens your hips, challenges your balance, works your legs, and tests your mental determination. Students love to hate this posture - it's hard, but the sense of accomplishment when you complete both sets is unmatched.
Setup, step by step
- Setup is crucial - take time to position feet and hands correctly
The line: fingertip to fingertip
- Hips must stay square to front before you start bending
- Create one straight line from fingertip to fingertip
- Both legs stay completely locked throughout posture
- Upper body reaches up and back, not down toward floor
Breathing through the spike
- Cardiovascular challenge is significant - breathe normally
- Coming out gracefully is part of the posture - don't collapse
Modifications and the two sets
One of our students put the two-set approach simply: "first is focus on alignment and second the focus can be on depth".
What it does for you
- Benefits include spinal flexibility, hip opening, organ massage
Master Triangle at 185 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. Book online or call 0449 228 740.