For UTTANASANA – Standing Forward Bend, begin in Tadasana Mountain, inhale up, lengthening the spine, arms moving up overhead beside the ears, and as you exhale, bend forward, with a lengthened spine and a slight bend in the knees. Hands can come to the floor out in front front of you or near your feet. Relax into this position. If you would like to you can go deeper into Rag Doll.
Hold for several breaths, settling in, letting the body rest and stretch, then on an inhale lengthen the spine once again, and slowly, with a slight bend in the knees begin to rise back up to standing.
Namaste.
Benefits:
This posture helps to relax and rejuvenate through extra blood flow to the head. . It actively stretches your hips, hamstrings, and calves, while providing strength to your thighs and knees. It helps to release tension in the spine, neck, and back through extension of the vertebrae. This pose also elongates the spine aiding in flexibility. Standing forward bend helps to improve posture, balance and co-ordination. It is known to enable improved digestion and can help with reduction of blood pressure. You can perform this pose just about anywhere!
