This is our version of the classic pose, or asana, called Trikonasana. Tri- means three. Kona- means angle. Asana means pose. Three angles form a triangle. Can you find the triangles in this pose?
Instructions
- Begin in Mountain pose.
- Jump your feet and arms apart.
- Turn your right foot so it points to the right.
- Turn your left toes as far to the right as you can. Imagine a line from the back of your right heel straight into the middle of your left arch. Line up your feet on this imaginary line, to provide an even base for your triangle pose.
- Press down evenly through both feet and feel strength in your legs.
- Place your left hand on your hip as the teapot handle.
- Bend your right arm to form the spout.
- Release your left hand from the hip and slide it down your leg.
- Stretch your right arm straight out to the side, as you extend and lengthen the right ribcage and the hips move left.
- From the hip hinge, tilt the upper body sideways right, as the hips swivel more to the left. Stretch your ribcage and spine away from the opposite moving hips.
- Release your right hand down. Lift your left arm up.
- If you feel yourself pitched too far forward, lift your right hand higher on the leg and rotate your chest skyward.
- If it’s comfortable, turn your head and look up. If not, look forward or down.
- To return to center, just wiggle your fingers and return to an upright position with your arms still extended out to the sides. Turn your feet so your toes point straight forward and jump back to center.
- Breathe in and out. Jump again to practice triangle and pour tea on the opposite side.
Note for Parents and Teachers
This pose increases strength and flexibility of the feet, legs, hips and neck. It helps lengthen the spine, too.
With young children, ignore the detailed directions of the feet. For children approximately 10 and older, or if they have been practicing for a while, we can begin to give them more details on structure and alignment. When they start asking questions, you will know that they are interested enough to begin to grasp the subtleties of shape and form in their poses.
Activity Ideas for Home and Classroom
Musical Musings
Sing the teapot song as you do the pose, with these variations:
Om a little teapot short and stout.
Here is my handle.
Here is my spout.
When I get all steamed up, I reach out…
Then tip me over and pour me up…
Bridge of Diamonds
Instead of beginning this classic teapot rhyme with I’m, in YogaKids we start with OM. The yogis say Om is the sound of the universe. Uni means one and verse means song. When we join together, we make beautiful music!
Math Medley
There are three different types of triangles. They are:
- Equilateral (all sides are equal)
- Isosceles (two sides are equal)
- Scalene (All sides are unequal)
See how many different triangles you can make with your legs and arms!