FitSugar

Strike a Yoga Pose: Wide-Legged Forward Bend E

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0700

In Ashtanga yoga, although there are technically four Wide-Legged Forward Bend poses, sometimes I've been to classes where the instructor throws in a fifth - Wide-Legged Forward Bend E. This pose is great for stretching your hips, hamstrings, and inner thighs.

Sanskrit Name: Prasarita Padottanasana E
English Translation: Feet Spread Intense Stretch Pose E
Also Called: Wide-Legged Forward Bend E or Wide-Legged Split

You definitely don't have to go down this far. Want to see the variations for this pose? Then read more

Start off in Wide-Legged Forward Bend D pose.
Widen your stance a little in order to place your palms flat on the ground right below your shoulders.
Start to inch your feet further apart, making sure to keep your heels wider than your toes. Keep the soles of your feet flat on the ground at all times to protect your knees.

As your hips get lower, you can prop yourself up with your forearms, and then move down to your shoulders.
If your shoulders are on the ground, turn your head to the side, and rest your cheek on the ground so you don't bruise your chin.
To get out of this pose, slowly come back on to your hands and walk your feet closer together until your big toes are touching.
Stay here in a forward bend until you're ready to slowly come to stand.

Favorite Wide-Legged Split

FitSugar — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 12:15:00 -0800

I'm so excited that so many of you sent in your Wide-Legged Split photos to the YOGA CHALLENGE Group. There were so many awesome photos, but I had to choose the one I liked best.

Suzanne, you and you husband's photos were my favorite. There's nothing I love more than people doing yoga together - way to inspire each other. Keep it up.

What a guy is right! He did more than give it a try. I'm very impressed.

But don't worry - you all have another chance to get your photo posted on FitSugar. Here's the latest challenge called Standing Bound Split pose. It's great for practicing your balance and working your hamstrings at the same time. Get into it from Bound Forward Bend pose.

Need another yoga challenge? Try doing Crow pose too.

Can't wait to see those pics. You can post them here.

YOGA CHALLENGE: Wide-Legged Split

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 07:32:58 -0800

Wide-Legged Forward Bend wasn't too difficult, right? It's a great way to stretch out your hips and hamstrings. You think you're loose enough to try Wide-Legged Split pose? Give it a try. As you slide your legs further apart, just make sure you go slowly.

But wait - before you give this a try, make sure you have a friend ready with a camera to take your picture. Then visit the YOGA CHALLENGE Group. Click on "Post Content to the Group" on the left-hand side. My favorite will be posted right here on FitSugar!

Start off in Wide-Legged Forward Bend pose.
Widen your stance a little in order to place your palms flat on the ground right below your shoulders.
Start to inch your feet further apart, making sure to keep your heels wider than your toes. Keep the soles of your feet flat on the ground at all times to protect your knees.
As your hips get lower, you can prop yourself up with your forearms, and then move down to your shoulders.
If your shoulders are on the ground, turn your head to the side, and rest your cheek on the ground so you don't bruise your chin.
To get out of this pose, slowly come back on to your hands and walk your feet closer together until your big toes are touching.
Stay here in a forward bend until you're ready to slowly come to stand.

Can't wait to see your pictures!

YOGA CHALLENGE: Standing Bound Split

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 15:10:00 -0800

How's it going fellow yogis? Have you been opening your hamstrings practicing the Bound Wide-Legged Forward Bend pose? I hope so because I have a really fun challenge for you.

But wait - before you give this a try, make sure you have a friend ready with a camera to take your picture.

Then visit the YOGA CHALLENGE Group.

My favorite will be posted right here on FitSugar!

Are you ready for Standing Bound Split?

Start in Bound Wide-Legged Forward Bend, and step your feet closer together, so they're underneath your hips.
Shift your weight into your left leg (or whichever leg is not bound).
Slowly lift your bound leg up off the ground.
You can keep it bent and work on staying balanced, or try to straighten your leg.
If your leg is straight, try looking away from your leg.
Just reverse the steps to come out of it and then try the other side.

How'd it go? I had a tough time staying balanced - every time I tried to straighten my leg, I tipped over. Want to see my bloopers? Then read more

View 6 Photos ›

Favorite Bound Squat Pose

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 08:24:11 -0800

Wow- I'm very impressed with how many of you tried Bound Squat pose.

I had to choose my favorite and who could pass up the mother and daughter yoga session sent in by KWM?

It makes me so happy to see anyone doing yoga, but it's really amazing when you can share it with your family.

Yoga keeps you healthy by working your body and settling your mind. When you do it together, you can encourage each other to be healthier, happier people.

Check out the other yoga challenges in the YOGA CHALLENGE Group. The newest challenge is Wide-Legged Split. Why not give it a try? I'd love to see your pictures.