utkatasana

English

Etymology

Sanskrit उत्कट (utkaṭa, “wild, frightening, intense”) + आसन (āsana, “posture, asana”).

Noun

utkatasana (uncountable)

1. (yoga) An asana that exercises the hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteal muscles, and erector spinae.
   • 1986, Yoga Journal, number 71, page 49:

     Utkatasana (Figure 4-e) acts as a counterpose to the previous postures because it eases the stretch in the legs.