Paschimottanasana, Key Forward Bend – Weekly Advanced Class 16

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Focus

Paschimottanasana is is a pose from which many other forward bends grow. A thorough understanding of this pose allows other more advanced poses to naturally evolve. For many people it is a particularly challenging pose because of its ability to bring us into direct contact with stiffness in the hamstrings and spine. It doesn’t mean that we need to wait for this stiffness to subside before we can practice Paschimottanasana. Stiff bodies are able to approach the pose just as effectively as more flexible bodies. Balancing all the various elements in the pose has priority over how close you come to placing your forehead on your shins.

This class highlights all the key elements of Paschimottanasana. You will learn how the feet work; how the action of the legs helps to support the spine; how to maximise the opening in your chest, and minimise the rounding in your upper back. You will be guided through various versions of the pose, some of which will enable more experienced students to get deeper into the pose, and some that will help less flexible students to feel more freedom.

Key Poses

Paschimottanasana

Equipment

Mat, chair, 2 blankets, 2 blocks, belt

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