May 2026

Horizon Lunge

Somachandrasana II

From our teaching team · Tanya Charfen

Somachandrasana II, also known as Nectar of the Moon Pose II, is a deep twisting lunge that opens the hips, chest, and shoulders while improving spinal flexibility and balance.

Practice safely

These guides are for general education and are not medical advice or a substitute for in-person instruction. Yoga is physical, and every body is different: practice at your own risk, move within your own limits, and stop if something hurts. Talk with your physician before starting any new physical practice, especially if you are pregnant, injured, or managing a health condition. The safest place to learn any of these poses is in the room with a teacher who can see you, and our teachers adjust for every level in every class.

How to perform the Horizon Lunge

  • Start in a lunge position: begin in a low lunge with your right foot forward.
  • Extend your arm: raise your right arm up toward the sky, reaching it higher as you roll onto the outer edge of both feet.
  • Twist and reach: as you maintain the lunge, twist your torso toward the right, reaching your right arm back behind you. This engages your core and enhances the stretch in your hips and glutes.
  • Engage your feet: flex both feet. Ensure that your extended leg is firm and your supporting arm is strong.
  • Hold the pose: maintain this position for several breaths, focusing on the stretch in your body. You can lower your hips further for a deeper stretch if comfortable.

Benefits

  • Stretches the hips: helps stretch the hip flexors and glutes, beneficial for those who sit for long periods.
  • Enhances balance: the twisting motion and the need to stabilize in the lunge improve overall balance and coordination.
  • Improves mobility: regular practice can increase mobility of the hips and spine.

Variations and tips

  • If you find it challenging to maintain balance, practice with your back knee on the ground until you build strength and stability.
  • Experiment with the height of your hips to find a position that feels comfortable while still providing a good stretch.
  • Offer to move the standing arm forward for more space, or offer a block under the front hand.

The best way to learn it is in the room.

Our teachers break down poses like this in every class, at every level. First class is $8.

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