Why is Revolved Triangle so hard to balance?

It combines a forward fold, a deep twist and a narrow base at once. A shorter stance and a block under the lower hand make it far more stable while you build the flexibility and strength.

How is it different from regular Triangle?

In Triangle (Trikonasana) the chest opens toward the same side as the front leg. In Revolved Triangle you rotate the opposite hand down and twist the torso the other way.

Standing

Revolved Triangle (Parivrtta Trikonasana)

Parivṛtta Trikoṇāsanaपरिवृत्त त्रिकोणासन· puh-ree-VRIT-tah tree-koh-NAH-suh-nuhrevolved three-angle (triangle) posture

Revolved Triangle is a standing twist: from a short stance you fold over the front leg and rotate the torso, reaching one hand toward the floor and the other to the sky. It builds balance while deeply twisting the spine and stretching the hamstrings.

By Yoga & You Teaching FacultyUpdated 25 July 2026

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Step by step

1
Set a short stance
Step the feet about a leg's length apart, then shorten the stance. Turn the front foot straight ahead and angle the back foot slightly in; square the hips to the front.
2
Lengthen and hinge
Inhale to lengthen the spine, then exhale and hinge forward over the front leg, reaching the opposite hand toward the floor (or a block) outside the front foot.
Breath: Exhale to fold
3
Revolve the torso
Rotate the chest open toward the front leg, extending the top arm to the ceiling and stacking the shoulders. Keep both legs straight and strong.
Breath: Exhale to deepen the twist
4
Lengthen the twist
Keep the spine long rather than rounded, hips level, and gaze up toward the top hand if the neck is comfortable.
5
Release and switch
Inhale to rise, unwind, and repeat on the other side.

Benefits

Stretches the hamstrings, hips and spine
Mobilises and tones the spine through rotation
Builds balance and concentration
Traditionally used to support digestion

Common mistakes

Rounding the back to reach the floor
Letting the hips fall out of square
Collapsing onto the bottom hand
Straining the neck to look up

Modifications & variations

Rest the lower hand on a block or shin
Shorten the stance and keep the torso higher
Keep the gaze down or to the side to protect the neck

Related poses

Frequently asked questions

Why is Revolved Triangle so hard to balance?: It combines a forward fold, a deep twist and a narrow base at once. A shorter stance and a block under the lower hand make it far more stable while you build the flexibility and strength.
How is it different from regular Triangle?: In Triangle (Trikonasana) the chest opens toward the same side as the front leg. In Revolved Triangle you rotate the opposite hand down and twist the torso the other way.

References

Light on Yoga — B.K.S. Iyengar on the Trikonasana family. · Classical text — Traditional reference for the triangle postures and their variations.