Trikonasana or Utthita Trikonasana (; IAST: utthita trikoṇāsana), [Extended] Triangle Pose is a standing asana in modern yoga as exercise. Variations include Baddha Trikonasana (bound triangle pose) and Parivrtta Trikonasana (revolved triangle pose). Etymology and origins The name comes from the Sanskrit words utthita (उत्थित), "extended", trikoṇa (त्रिकोण) "triangle", and āsana (आसन) "posture" or "seat". The pose is first described in the 20th century, appearing in the teaching of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, including his 1934 book Yoga Makaranda, and in the works of his students. Description Trikonasana is performed in two parts, facing left, and then facing right. The practitioner begins standing with the feet one leg-length apart, knees unbent, turns the right foot completely to the outside and the left foot less than 45 degrees to the inside, keeping the heels in line with the hips. The arms are spread out to the sides, parallel to the ground, palms facing down; the trunk is extended as far as is comfortable to the right, while the arms remain parallel to the floor. Once the trunk is fully extended to the right, the right arm is dropped so that the right hand reaches the shin (or a block or on the floor) to the front (left side) of the right foot, with the palm down if flexed. The left arm is extended vertically, and the spine and trunk are gently twisted counterclockwise (i.e., upwards to the left, since they're roughly parallel to the floor), using the extended arms as a lever, while the spine remains parallel to the ground. The arms are stretched away from one another, and the head may be turned to gaze at the left thumb, slightly intensifying the spinal twist. Returning to standing, the pose is repeated to the left. Stylistic differences Different schools of yoga have varying views about what Trikonasana is. A 2001 article on the asana in Yoga Journal with instructions given by teachers from five modern yoga traditions (Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Bikram Yoga) showed differing body positions. This article does not make a distinction between Trikonasana (triangle pose) and Utthita Trikonasana (extended triangle pose). In the tradition of Satyananda Yoga, Trikonasana is described as a series of five asanas performed in sequence. The first three have the front knee bent, starting with the upper arm pointing straight up, the lower on the floor in front of the