Parshvottanasana, the lateral extension, is a standing posture that finds its way into the repertoire of almost every yoga student. Lengthening the torso over one leg and bending forward from the hip joints awakens an intense stretch in the deep muscles of the gluteal region as well as in the hamstrings, and dramatically strengthens the lower back. Parshvottanasana also improves balance and isolates the movement of the pelvis from that of the upper torso. It is a posture with such a rich variety of benefits that it shouldn’t be ignored.