Pada Sanchalanasana (Cycling Pose)
Pada = Foot , Sanchalan = Movement or Motion, Asana = Pose/Posture
Stage 1
Steps
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- Lie on your back.
- Raise your left leg, bending the knee and bringing the thigh towards your chest.
- Inhale and straighten your leg completely. Then lower the straight leg in a forward motion.
- Exhale, bend the knee again, and bring it back to your chest to complete the cycling motion. Keep the heel lifted throughout the movement, avoiding contact with the floor.
- Repeat this cycle 10 times in a forward direction, then reverse and repeat 10 times backward.
- Switch legs and repeat the same steps with your right leg
Stage 2
Steps
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- Raise both legs and perform alternate cycling movements as if pedaling a bicycle.
- Practice 10 times forward and then 10 times backward, breathing normally throughout.
Stage 3
Steps
- Raise both legs and keep them together throughout the exercise.
- Bring your knees as close to your chest as possible.
- Inhale, fully straighten the legs during the forward movement. Exhale, bring your knees as close to your chest as possible on the backward movement.
- Practice three to five forward cycling movements and the same in reverse. Do not strain your breath. Gradually lower your legs together and relax.
Benefits of Pada Sanchalanasana (Cycling Pose)
- Enhances hip and knee joint health.
- Builds strength in abdominal and lower back muscles.
- Tones thigh muscles effectively.
- Aids in reducing excess fat around the waist.
- Assists in restoring hip flexibility for women post-pregnancy.