Seated Forward Bend is a great stretch for the hamstrings and can help your thinking mind unwind. Many people think the goal of this pose is to get your head to your legs. See how the head is forced down, and the whole trunk of the body is crunched up?
To avoid this, make it your goal to move your heart and chest to your feet. Extend your arms and reach your chest forward before you lower your head.
Then you’ll have the proper alignment intended for this asana.
Other things will help you achieve proper alignment for this yoga sequence:
- Don’t be afraid to use props including blocks, blankets, belts and even the wall.
- Choose the right teacher for you – someone you trust, someone you’re comfortable with adjusting your pose, etc. Our bodies don’t always know how the correct pose feels at first. Repeated asanas in correct alignment are necessary for the body to learn to do it on autopilot.
Please remember to talk to your doctor to learn if there are any other alignment issues that you need to be aware of. This is particulary important for pregnant women, sedentary individuals, or those recovering from injury.
Namaste!
