Standing Poses to Prepare for Forward Bends – Weekly Intermediate Class 443

This 45-minute class continues last week’s exploration of standing poses practiced with minimal props, this time focusing on how they can effectively prepare the body for seated forward bends. Certain standing asanas and their variations closely mirror the actions required in forward bends, working with the same muscle groups while reinforcing essential techniques that carry directly into seated practice. Forward bending from a standing position can also bypass some of the limitations created by stiff hips, knees or hamstrings. With the feet grounded, it is often easier to mobilise the legs, create length through the spine, and maintain healthy alignment without becoming restricted by flexibility. Whether you intend to follow this practice with a longer session of seated forward bends or simply enjoy it as a complete standing pose sequence in its own right, the class offers an effective way to improve mobility, develop stability and refine your understanding of the relationship between these two important groups of asanas. The practice also includes a series of strength-building inversion preparations to help develop the shoulder, arm and core stability needed for a confident inversion practice.