Half Spinal Twist Yoga Position

[Mitchell Rabushka]

The Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) is promoted as offering lots of benefits by yoga enthusiasts:

 

 

Since I can't do this all the way with both hands clasped as shown in the video I'm wondering if it's worth the effort to master it.  I've heard some people say it does wonders for stretching the lower back and relieving tension there so I'm wondering if I s/ have this one in my arsenal.  What say the Gymnastic Strength Training™ school of thought on this one?  Is it good to have this mobility?

[Cole Dano]

Ardha Matsyendrasana is an outstanding twisting pose. The video shows one of many variations, generally this is done with both legs bent. There are also variations on the clasping, this shows the easiest. That level of mobility is quite reasonable.

 

Like many yoga poses, this is a very efficient pose as it works many typically neglected areas at once.

[Connor Davies]

I can do that!

 

depending on what you're wearing (in my experience) it can be an epic stretch for either your hips or your lats.  If you can't reach your hands together, you can always use a towel and slowly inch your hands closer.

[Mitchell Rabushka]

Ardha Matsyendrasana is an outstanding twisting pose. The video shows one of many variations, generally this is done with both legs bent. There are also variations on the clasping, this shows the easiest. That level of mobility is quite reasonable.

 

Like many yoga poses, this is a very efficient pose as it works many typically neglected areas at once.

Cole, thanks for the info.  I'll continue to work on it.

[Mitchell Rabushka]

Bipocni, thanks for the tip.  I'm gonna work that in to my attempt today.

[GoldenEagle]

That is one of the asanas I do on a regular basis. Having greater mobility, in the spine, makes doing it worth the effort.  Be sure to do the twist in both directions when you do one side.