Parsvottanasana, also known as intense side stretch or pyramid pose, looks simple but can actually be kinda killer on the legs and hips. See how I’m touching the ground? That’s not totally necessary, nor is it the point of the posture. Some ways to lessen the intensity are to slightly bend the front knee or place the hands on blocks or another level surface high enough so that you can keep your back lengthened.
Go on and get out on the grass, let your hair down, your shirt flip up, and your bra strap hang out (Just kidding-I just want you to know that your pose doesn’t have to be picture perfect to be good)!
Tip: the main points of focus here are pressing down through the feet, engaging the thigh muscles and squaring the hips forward so that the torso, arms, and head can hang forward with as little effort as possible. Make sure you’ve warmed up and prepared your body for this intense stretch. Here’s one article that provides some prep poses.