In our beginner yoga pose series, Michael Taylor from Strala Yoga in New York City, demonstrates and gives us the scoop on Extended Side Angle Pose.

How-to: From a low lunge, roll your back heel to the ground, bring your fingers to the ground inside your front heel, and reach your other arm straight past your ear. Bring your shoulders, body, and legs all in one line.

Tips: Keeping your lower ribs long rather than collapsing over your front leg is easier if you start by resting your front forearm on your thigh.

Benefits: Strengthens thighs, opens hips.

How-to Video:









Michael Taylor is a yoga guide at Strala Yoga in New York City. (Michael prefers "guide" to "instructor"). He's practiced Eastern movement and healing techniques for more than two decades. He holds a degree in mind-body medicine from Harvard, and studied alternative medicine and psychology at Oxford. Mike is also the CEO of social media company Odyl, climbs a few mountains in his spare time, and is the husband of yoga master Tara Stiles.

Tags: michael taylor, yoga, yoga poses