Parsvottanasana

Intense Side Stretch

Sanskrit: Parsvottanasana
English: Intense Side Stretch
Sequence: Standing · step 44 of 124
Held for: 5 breaths
Drishti: Padhayoragrai, toes
Sides: Right and left

Getting into Parsvottanasana

Step your feet three to four feet apart, then turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in about 60 degrees, squaring your hips to face over your right leg. Bring your palms together behind your back in reverse-prayer position if that's available to you (or hold opposite elbows behind your back instead), and fold forward over your right leg, keeping both legs straight and hips square.

Described on the right side. On the left, swap right for left throughout.

What a teacher would tell you

Center the heart over the front leg.
Square the hips.
Gaze toward the big toe.

These are the corrections My Ashtanga speaks aloud while you hold the posture.