Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

1. Stand with feet well apart and stretched both arms horizontally, palms facing down.

2. Keeping the knees rigid, bend to the right and bring the right palm to the floor so that the butt of the palm touches the right foot. This may prove too difficult at first, so the tips of the fingers will do. The left arm should be carried round in a semicircle; head and neck will bend to the right and the left will be horizontal, the upper arm touching the left ear.

3. Resume the original position and perform the movement by bending to the left. If  performed well, one or two repetitions are enough.   

Benefits: The lumbar region is exercised together with the intercostal muscles, which is rarely given any work. This is especially valuable for women, for the "corset" muscles are strengthened and keep the torso from the sagging. The ligaments of thighs and legs are also stretched.