Low Lunge

añjaneyāsanaअञ्जनेयासन
Low Lunge
M

Maya - Pose Assistant

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Benefits

Low Lunge provides a deep stretch for the hip flexors and quadriceps of the back leg, while gently opening the chest and shoulders (if arms lifted). It improves balance slightly and releases hip tension.

Practice Guide

1

From Downward Dog or Tabletop, step right foot forward between hands. Align right knee over right ankle.

2

Lower left (back) knee gently to floor. Place padding under knee if needed. Top of left foot rests on floor (or toes tucked).

3

Keep hands on floor/blocks framing front foot OR inhale, lift torso upright, placing hands on front thigh OR sweeping arms overhead.

4

If arms lifted, relax shoulders down, lift chest. Option: add slight backbend, gaze up.

5

Sink hips forward and down to feel stretch in left hip flexor/quad.

6

Hold, breathe. Exit: Exhale, lower hands (if lifted) to frame front foot, tuck back toes, lift back knee, step back Downward Dog or Tabletop. Repeat left.

Modifications

Place padding (blanket) under the back knee for comfort.

Keep hands resting on the floor, yoga blocks, or the front thigh instead of lifting arms.

Lift arms overhead or into a cactus shape to open the chest more.

Tuck the back toes under for a different stretch/stability, or keep the top of the foot flat on the floor.

Add quad stretch by bending back knee and catching foot (advanced).

Safety Notes

Acute knee injury (use padding, avoid if painful)

Hip injury (avoid deep lunge if painful)

SI joint issues (ensure stable pelvis)

Anatomy

Muscles Targeted

Front leg glutes/quads (stabilizing)

Muscles Stretched

Back leg hip flexor (psoas, iliacus)
Back leg quadriceps
Groin
Chest/shoulders (if arms lift/arch)

Focus Areas

Kneeling LungeDeep Hip Flexor StretchQuad StretchGroin StretchGentle Chest OpenerBalance MildSplits Prep

Yoga Styles

Signature of
Also practiced in
HathaBeginnerYinTherapeutic
HathaHeld statically to deepen hip flexor stretch and build stability
VinyasaEssential flowing pose in sun salutations and standing sequences
BeginnerFoundational lunge for hip flexibility and strength
YinPassive variation held for extended periods to release hip tension
TherapeuticGentle hip flexor release with props and modifications

Sequencing

Maya's Tips

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

Foundational Kneeling Lunge PoseProvides An Effective And Accessible Stretch For Hip Flexors And QuadricepsExcellent Preparation For Deeper Lunges Splits Backbends Like Hanumanasana Or King Pigeon