Standing Hand-to-Big-Toe
Utthita Hasta PadangusthasanaA standing balance extending one leg forward and out to the side by the toe, testing hip strength and hamstring length together. A benchmark of standing balance.
- 01Stand tall and draw one knee toward the chest.
- 02Hook the big toe with two fingers, or loop a strap around the foot.
- 03Extend the leg forward as straight as the hamstring allows.
- 04Keep the standing leg strong and the hips level.
- 05If steady, open the leg out to the side and turn the gaze the other way.
- 01Stand tall on the rooted foot.
- 02Level the hips before extending.
- 03Use a strap so the spine stays upright.
- 01Hiking the standing hip to lift the leg — keep the hips level.
- 02Rounding forward to reach the foot — use a strap and stay tall.
- 03Locking the standing knee — keep it soft and engaged.
Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.