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Simple Forward Bend Sequence

A sequence to open hips and to let knees explore a full range of movement.

Contents

Introduction

This is a great forward bend sequence aimed at students that have completed 6 months of yoga and upwards. Starting with some preparation in Supta Baddhakonasana, we progress to through some sitting poses and forward bends, up into Sirsasana and some variations. The overall result is one of balance and calming of the nervous system.

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Supta Baddhakonasana
Reclining Bound Angle Pose
5 minutes
Join your feet together, your heels pressed to your pelvis. Lie back over a bolster or other form of support. Relax and let your chest open. If necessary, use a strap to hold your feet in place.
Virasana Forward
Downward-Facing Hero Pose
1 minute
Join your feet together under your buttocks and keep your knees far enough apart for your ribs to fit in between your legs as you fold forward. You can rest your forehead on the floor or on a block.
Uttanasana
Standing Forward Bend
30 seconds - 1 minute
Starting in Tadasana, exhale and reach down towards your feet. Let your spine release downwards. You can bend your knees or place your hands on blocks if you lack the necessary flexibility.
Adho Mukha Svanasana
Downward-Facing Dog Pose
1 minute
Press evenly into your hands and feet. The main aim is to elongate the back of your body and lift your hips up as high off the ground as possible without losing the stable foundation created by your hands and feet. If you lack the hamstring flexibility, bend your knees a little.
Parsvottanasana
Pyramid Pose
45 seconds per side
Place your feet one leg-length apart, your back foot angled out slightly. Keep your legs straight as you start to fold over your front leg, maintaining a concave spine for as far into the bend as possible.
Prasarita Padottanasana (Head Down)
Wide-Legged Forward Bend
1 minute
Plant your feet as wide apart as you can. Place your hands on the floor and lengthen forward through your spine. Once you have achieved the concave spine, start to walk your hands backward to capacity, aiming to lengthen and release your spine as evenly as possible.
Salamba Sirsasana Wall Support
Headstand 1
4-7 minutes
Activate your shoulders and upper back muscles as you lift your body up into inverted balance. Use the wall for support if necessary.
Supta Padangusthasana II
Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose
45 seconds per side
Lie down on your back. Point kneecap and toes on your left leg upward, as you stretch your right leg out to the side. Use a belt if necessary. Change sides.
Baddha Konasana
Bound Angle Pose
2 minutes
Bring your feet as close as possible to your pelvis and join them together. Straighten your back and let gravity pull your knees down toward the floor. If necessary, use a strap to hold your feet in place.
Upavistha Konasana
Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend
1 minute
Use support under buttocks if your inner groins roll backward. Kneecaps and all ten toes face the ceiling. Keep your hands by your by hips, fingers pointing forwards. Lengthen your spine. Once you have mastered these foundations, you can also bend forward while reaching your feet with your hands. Use a belt if necessary.
Upavistha Konasana Twist
Wide-Angle Seated Twist
1 minute per side
Start in Upavistha Konasana with the legs wide apart and the spine upright. Keep extending your spine up through the crown of your head as you twist to each side. Use a belt if you feel your back rounding.
Triang Mukha Eka Pada Paschimottanasana
Three-Limbed Forward Bend
1 minute per side
Bend your left knee so your foot points straight back as you extend your right leg forward. Release your spine as you reach out to grab a hold of your extended foot. Use a belt if necessary. Repeat on both sides.
Marichyasana I
Marichi's Pose I
1 minute per side
Bend your left knee, placing the foot by your buttock as you extend the right leg forward. Then, reach your arms behind your back, looping your left arm over and around your bent knee. Join your hands behind your back. Bend forward to capacity. Repeat on both sides.
Paschimottanasana
Seated Forward Bend
2 minutes
Make sure the backs of your legs are pressed firmly to the ground as you bend over to reach your feet. Release the spine. Use a belt if necessary.
Simple Cross Legs Twist
30 seconds per side
Sit with your legs crossed and back straight. Place your hand onto the opposing knee and, staying tall through the crown of your head, look over your shoulder as you twist.
Bharadvajasana I
Bharadvaja's Twist
45 seconds per side
Bend your legs and bring your feet over to the left. Place your left hand on your top thigh and use it as a lever to help you deepen the twist. The right hand is planted behind your back. Extend through your crown.
Halasana
Plough Pose
3 minutes
Use support under your shoulders if necessary. Keeping your shoulders open, lift your hips up high above your head, dropping your feet down behind you. Place your hands on your back to help keep it from rounding.
Virasana Forward
Downward-Facing Hero Pose
1 minute
Join your feet together under your buttocks and keep your knees far enough apart for your ribs to fit in between your legs as you fold forward. You can rest your forehead on the floor or on a block.
Savasana
Corpse Pose
5 minutes
Lie down on the floor. Spread your arms and legs slightly at your side. Relax and concentrate on your breath.