Goddess

utkaṭa koṇāsanaउत्कट कोणासन
Goddess
M

Maya - Pose Assistant

Ask me anything about Goddess

Benefits

Goddess Pose is a standing squat that strongly strengthens the legs (quads, glutes, inner thighs) and core, while opening the hips and groins. It builds heat, stamina, and promotes a sense of grounding and empowerment.

Practice Guide

1

Stand facing long edge of mat. Step feet wide (3-4 feet), turn toes out about 45 degrees, heels slightly in.

2

Bend knees deeply, tracking them out over ankles in same direction as toes. Aim for thighs parallel to floor.

3

Keep torso upright, spine long. Engage core. Tailbone descends slightly.

4

Arms often in 'cactus' position (elbows bent 90 degrees, level with shoulders, palms forward) to open chest, or hands at heart/hips.

5

Hold, breathe steadily. Feel strength in legs, opening in hips.

6

Exit: Inhale, press into feet, straighten legs, return to standing. Heel-toe feet together.

Modifications

Squat less deeply.

Rest hands on thighs or hips for support.

Vary arm positions: cactus arms, prayer hands (Anjali Mudra), arms extended overhead.

Lift heels off floor one at a time or both together for a balance challenge.

Practice dynamically, pulsing up and down.

Safety Notes

Knee or hip injury (modify depth, ensure knees track over ankles, avoid if painful)

Ankle injury or instability

Anatomy

Muscles Targeted

Quadriceps
Glutes
Adductors (inner thighs)
Calves
Core (for stability and upright posture)

Muscles Stretched

Hips (external rotation)
Groins
Inner thighs (adductors)
Chest and shoulders (depending on arm variation)

What's Next?

Maya suggests trying these poses:

Focus Areas

Standing SquatHip Opener External RotationGroin StretchInner Thigh StretchLeg StrengtheningGlute ActivationStamina BuildingHeat BuildingGroundingEmpowerment

Yoga Styles

Signature of
Also practiced in
HathaVinyasaBeginnerPrenatal
HathaHeld statically to build leg strength and hip opening
VinyasaUsed in standing sequences, often with arm variations and flow
PowerStrength-building pose, often held for extended periods or pulsed
BeginnerFoundational standing pose for leg strength and hip opening
PrenatalModified depth, excellent for pelvic floor and leg strength

Sequencing

Maya's Tips

These insights help Maya understand how this pose flows with others when creating sequences and classes.

Empowering Standing Hip Opener And Leg StrengthenerBuilds Significant Lower Body Strength And EnduranceOften Used In Dynamic Flows Or Held Statically To Build Heat And StaminaPromotes Grounding And Connection To Earth Energy