The Chair Pose, or Utkatasana, is a very intense and demanding yoga pose. While you may have tried similar versions of this pose, the yoga version is quite different and difficult in a different way. It is called the chair pose because it challenges practitioners to sit in a sort of quasi floating-chair, without the support we're used to receiving from underneath. This pose works our quad and glute muscles particularly hard, with our backs and shoulders getting quite a workout as well.

To begin this pose, start in a standing position. Then take a deep breath and bend your knees in the way you would do if you were to sit in a chair. Bring your butt as parallel to the ground as possible without straining your back too much. Lift your hands above your head for balance, and keep your back straight. Make sure that your knees do not extend much beyond the tip of your toes, for this will put too much strain on your knees.

As you sit your knees should form approximately a 90 degree angle. While you may not achieve this perfect angle your first try, it is something you should work toward. Hold the pose for about 30 seconds and release, straightening up into a standing position. Because the pose is very demanding on the body, be sure to take it easy at first. Between poses you can stretch out your quads and back slightly, using whichever stretches you prefer. When you are ready, enter the pose again, remembering to breath consistently throughout the entire pose.

As you continue to practice yoga and gather various personal prop items, you may find yourself in need of a good travel bag. This Patagonia bag is great for packing up yoga items, like a bolster, a strap or two, and a block.