Each of the standing poses offer a little variation to tweak or address a certain set of muscles or area of the body. The lateral standing asanas (poses) listed below address the abductor muscles in particular -
- Utthita trikonasana (triangle pose)
- Virabhradrasana 2 (warrior 2 )
- Utthita Parsvakonasana (extended side angle pose)
- Ardha Chandrasana (half moon pose)
The Abductor muscles (located on the lateral side of the thigh include the piriformis, superior gemellus, inferior gemellus, tensor fasciae latae, sartorius, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles) do get used in all the standing poses, but in these poses we learn their importance. In Virabhadrasana 2 and other lateral standing poses, the abductor muscles draw the thighs away from the center line and assist to move & hold the head of the thigh bone (femur) snuggly in the hip socket joint - thus being a major player (or component) in hip stability.
The video below offers a couple of ways to work with understanding and feeling that strengthening action.
In an asana, the mind has to reach inside the body to find a quiet space until a point comes where perfect balance is felt.
~ Geeta Iyengar
