Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)
Baddha Konasana
“baddha” = fixed, restrained, bound
“kona” = angle
Bound Angle Pose
Also known as: Cobbler’s Pose
Heart of Pose
Hip / Adductor Stretch
Notes
Cobbler’s Pose in the West
Bound Angle pose is also called Cobbler’s Pose, because it is the position that shoemakers use in India. They hold the shoe with the feet, so that both hands are free to work on the shoe that they are making. Westerners can find this pose challenging because of the years we spend sitting in chairs with our knees close together. – Judith Lasater
Goal is Not to Get Knees to Floor
The goal of Baddha Konasana is not to get your knees to the floor as quickly as possible. Rather, the intent is to lengthen your inner and outer thighs, strengthen your lower back, and increase flexibility in your legs, hips, knees and back. These benefits may allow your knees to reach the floor but forcing your knees to the floor could cause harm. – Miriam Austin