Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Upward Extended Feet / Upward Stretched Legs) – Overview
Asana Digest Overview
Poses
Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Upward Extended Feet Pose) and related poses.
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
The focus of Asana Digests is teaching specific poses. This support presumes you’re aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Core Strengthening
Poses Overview
Urdhva Prasarita Padasana
“urdhva” = upward
“prasarita” = spread out
“pada” = foot
Upward Extended Feet Pose
- Known as Upward Extended Feet, Upward Stretched Legs, 30-60-90 Lifts, 60-30 Lifts, Leg Raises, Double Leg Raises, Leg Lifts, UPP and L Pose
- Dharma Mittra shows a version of this pose which he calls Jatharasana (Abdominal Lift Pose) in Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses 2003 p 330
- Some sources call this pose Uttana Padasana (Extended Leg Pose). However, that name also refers to a different pose that is practiced in Ashtanga Yoga after Matsyasana, and we use the name for that pose.
Heart of Pose
Core Strengthening
Much More in this Digest
Asana Digests are precisely organized so that you can quickly get what you need. Please select from the menu above and be sure to review any contraindications and cautions.
Related Support
To view this page and thousands more, we invite you to join Yoga Teacher Central, serving teachers since 2012.
You'll get instant access to a massive, organized library of practical and time-tested lessons, plans, and support for yoga teachers and trainers.
The entire site is member-supported and ad-free.