Standing Forward Bend

The Standing Forward Bend, or Uttanasana, both relaxes and invigorates.

Standing Forward Bend

About Standing Forward Bend

In Sanskrit, ut means “intense” and tan translates to “stretch” or “extend.” This is a great pose to perform between other standing asanas.

This postures looks easy, and it is, but it also has strong benefits:

• Releases stress from the body and mind
• Provides a deep release of the hamstrings
• Rejuvenates the mind

Step into the Pose

To Perform Standing Forward Bend

1. Begin in Mountain Yoga Pose.
2. Inhale and place your hands on your hips.
3. Exhale, and fold forward from the hips, keeping the torso long and extended.
4. As you bend, try not to lock the knees.
5. You should be able to touch your chest to your thighs, hands on the floor or behind the legs.
6. With each breath, keep lengthening the torso, head loosened from the neck.
7. Hold this pose for a minute or longer, until you feel all tension release.
8. When you come up, keep the torso long and the back flat.

For more instructions on Standing Forward Bend, visit Yoga Journal.

Place your hands flat on the floor or wrap them around the legs.

Beginner

Resting your hands on a block helps you feel how far forward you can bend easily without straining the back.

Advanced

Rise up on the balls of your feet so that your heels come up about a half-inch off the floor. Hold through a breath cycle, then release.

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