Basic SittingIntermediate

Side Rooster Pose

Parsva Kukkutasana

Side Rooster Pose twists the lotus-bound legs to one flank while balancing on the palms, sharpening waist strength and wrist control.

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How to Perform

  1. 1

    Enter Rooster Pose with arms threaded through Padmasana and palms grounded beside the hips.

  2. 2

    Shift weight into the hands, exhale, and lift the lotus off the floor.

  3. 3

    Rotate the torso to the right, bringing both lotus knees toward the right upper arm while elbows stay hugged in.

  4. 4

    Keep the spine tall, chest open, and breath smooth as you balance with the legs resting along one arm.

  5. 5

    Return to centre with control, lower gently, and repeat facing the other side.

Benefits

  • Strengthens wrists, arms, and obliques via the lateral twist.
  • Maintains hip openness and knee mobility within lotus.
  • Builds focus and proprioception for asymmetric arm balances.

Alignment Cues

  • Elbows stay hugged toward midline
  • Lotus rests securely along the turning-side arm
  • Spine remains tall with gaze following the twist
  • Breath remains smooth to ground the pose

Common Mistakes

  • Collapsing shoulders
  • Holding breath
  • Insufficient core engagement
  • Dumping weight into wrists

Contraindications

  • Knee injury in lotus
  • Wrist inflammation

Recommended Props

BlocksBlanket