Nov17

yogababe pose + purpose

Posted By: Daphne's

Categories: Daphne's California Greek, Exercise, Fitness, Healthy Living, Jessica Mulvey, Live Well, Prasarita Padottanasana, yoga classes, yoga poses, yoga postures, YogaBabes

This month’s pose and purpose is: Prasarita Padottanasana or wide-legged forward bend (with hands interlaced behind your back). This posture is wonderful because you can easily perform it at your office. I chose this posture because if you are reading this blog is most likely means you are sitting at your computer, yeah? Which also means that a nice anterior deltoid and pectoralis major stretch could be just what the yoga instructor ordered.  Essentially, this pose stretches your hamstrings, your pecs, and your shoulders while also releasing neck tension. 

Stand with your feet about 3 feet apart. Reach your hands behind you, and interlace your fingers. Take a deep inhale, lift your chest, and slow fold forward. Once you have folded forward enough to feel the hamstrings being stretched, micro-bend in your knees. A micro-bend is when you slightly bend your knees so that it protects the joint, but it’s a bend so small you would not visibly notice it. Now, slowly move your hands up and over your head so you feel a gentle stretch through your chest and shoulders. After your take 5 slow breaths, release your hands to your waist and slowly roll up to standing. 

-YogaBabe