Ardha Matsyendrasana – Weekly Intermediate Class 306

This class explores a series of seated twists, climaxing with the pivotal Ardha Matsyendrasana, also known as the Half Lord of the Fishes Pose. In this pose, one leg is folded on the ground while the other is crossed over it with the foot placed outside the opposite knee; the practitioner then twists their torso towards the upright knee, placing the opposite elbow outside of it as a lever for a deeper twist. Unlike many sequences that blend seated twists with other seated poses, forward bends, or related standing poses, this class focuses solely on seated twists. As you progress towards ardha matsyendrasana, you’ll be guided through related twists like Bharadvajasana and Marichyasana III, supplemented with therapeutic chair twists. Historically, twists have been viewed as detoxifying postures. They not only alleviate back tension but also contribute to the overall well-being of your spine.