Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)
Category: Standing / Twist
Difficulty: Intermediate
Sanskrit/Pronunciation: Parivrtta Utkatasana (par-ee-VRIT-tah oot-kah-TAHS-uh-nuh)
Main Focus: Spine, Core, Legs, Balance
Props: Yoga Brick, Yoga Chair
Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana) is a standing twist that combines the strength and stability of Chair Pose with rotation through the spine and upper body. Practised with the knees bent and hips drawing back, the hands come together at the chest as the torso twists to one side, often bringing the opposite elbow towards the outside of the thigh. The pose strengthens the legs and core while encouraging spinal mobility, balance and focus. Props such as a yoga brick or chair can provide additional support and stability, making it easier to maintain length through the spine while exploring the twist.
- Begin in Chair Pose (knees bent, thighs back, arms overhead)
- Bring hands to prayer at your heart centre
- Inhale to lengthen the spine, then exhale to twist to the right
- Hook the left elbow outside the right knee
- Keep the knees aligned, they love to shift, so peek down and adjust
- Press palms firmly together to deepen the twist
- Gaze to the side or up, depending on your neck
- Hold for 5–8 breaths, then return to centre and repeat on the other side
- Strengthens thighs, glutes, ankles, and core
- Improves balance and concentration
- Massages abdominal organs and supports digestion
- Encourages spinal mobility and detoxification
- Keep the hips higher if there's discomfort in knees or lower back
- Practise the twist with hands on hips or resting on thighs if balance is tricky
- Use a block between the thighs to maintain alignment and engage the inner legs
- Avoid deep twisting if pregnant or managing spinal issues
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Placing a yoga brick between the thighs in Revolved Chair Pose helps encourage better leg alignment and activates the inner thighs throughout the twist. Gently squeezing the brick creates more stability through the pelvis and lower body, making it easier to maintain balance and support the spine as you rotate. This variation also helps prevent the knees from shifting out of alignment during the pose.
Props to Support Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)
Props can provide additional stability in Revolved Chair Pose while making the twist more accessible. A yoga brick placed between the thighs can encourage engagement through the inner legs and help keep the knees aligned as you twist. A brick can also be used beneath the lower hand to raise the floor, while a yoga chair can provide additional support for balance and help you explore the rotation with greater control.
