Utthita Pādāṅguṣṭhāsana hip; II, with the raised leg to the side, and the opposite hand stretched out straight to the other side. Students can practise the pose using a strap to hold the extended foot, or a ledge or wall for support; or may keep the knee bent. The pose is at the start of the Primary Series of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga. Utthita Pādāṅguṣṭhāsana Utthita Pādāṅguṣṭhāsana or Utthita Hasta Pādāṅguṣṭhāsana (Sanskrit: उत्थित हस्त पादाङ्गुष्ठासन), Standing Big Toe Hold or Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose is an asana in hatha yoga. The name comes from the Sanskrit words "Utthita" (उत्थित) meaning "extended", "hasta" (हस्त) meaning
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga classes in similar style, offering posture variations, and teaching Ashtanga in a much less linear style, with a greater emphasis on alignment and breathing. Sharath's "new generation" of young students have adopted Sharath's new rules, and teach in a linear style without variations. According to the Sharath generation, variations are not allowed, and practice must be in a strict Mysore environment under the guidance of a Sharath-approved teacher. How-to videos & workshops, detailed alignment instructions, and strength-building exercises are not part of the method, neither for the practitioner or the teacher. These types of instruction are not approved by Sharath,