Standing Forward Bend

Audio File

Instructions

  • Start standing with your hands on your hips. Exhale to hinge from the hips and bend forward. Think about creating as much length as possible from your hips to your head.

  • Release your fingertips toward the ground or your blocks.

  • Root down into the four corners of your feet.

  • Release the back of your head and neck.

  • On inhales, feel your torso lengthen, and on exhales, feel your chest reach toward your toes.

  • Stay for up to one minute.

  • To exit the pose, return your hands to your hips and slowly lift up, keeping the length in the front and back of your torso.

Modifications

  • Bend knees slightly

Contraindications

  • Back injuries

Type of pose

  • Standing

Parts of Body Benefited

  • Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression

  • Stimulates the liver and kidneys

  • Stretches the hamstrings, calves, and hips

  • Strengthens the thighs and knees

  • Improves digestion

  • Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause

  • Reduces fatigue and anxiety

  • Relieves headache and insomnia

  • Therapeutic for asthma, high blood pressure, infertility, osteoporosis, and sinusitis

Other strategies for emotional support:

Grief

Sadness

Other strategies from:

Hatha Yoga

Yoga