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Today’s Poses: Wide-Legged Forward Bend and Wild Thing Yoga Poses

Wide-Legged Forward Bend and Wild Thing Yoga Pose

Wide-Legged Standing Forward Fold

Wide-Legged Standing Forward Fold is a calming forward bend that stretches the hamstrings and back. There are several arm variations and other modifications available, making this a suitable pose for yoga students of all levels!

Benefits of Wide-Legged Standing Forward Fold

It stretches and strengthens the hamstrings, calves, hips, low back, and spine. The various arm positions stretch your shoulders, wrists, forearms, and upper back. This pose has all of the benefits of both forward folds and inversions, including:

• Relief from stress, anxiety, and mild depression
• Relief from mild backaches
• Opened hips
• Relief from neck and shoulder tension
• Toned abdominal organs
• Improved digestion

This pose also quiets and soothes the nervous system. Additionally, it helps prepare the body and mind for deeper yoga poses and introspection.

Wild Thing Yoga Pose

1. Begin in a downward-facing dog pose. Lift your right leg up and bend your knee, working toward stacking right hip over your left. Keep your core engaged.
2. Shift your weight into your left hand.
3. Roll to the pinky toe side of your grounded (left) leg.
4. At the same time:
   1. Gently lower your right foot toward the ground behind you.
   2. Slowly lift your right hand off the ground and bring it to your heart center (middle of the chest).
5. When the ball mound of your right foot connects to the ground, press down to lift your hips and chest toward the ceiling. The right knee stays bent while the left leg is extended.
6. Press down into the knuckles of your grounded hand and draw your shoulder blades toward each other and away from your ears.
7. Option to take your gaze in the opposite direction of your extended leg.
8. To release, either take lower hips to the ground or unwind back to the downward-facing dog. Pause for a few breaths then repeat on the other side.

Benefits of Wild Thing Yoga Pose

• Stretches chest, shoulders, and throat.
• Opens the hips and hip flexors.
• Stretches and strengthens the back.
• Energizes body and mind.
• Opens and stimulates the heart center
• Cultivates feelings of universal love and acceptance

Wide-Legged Forward Bend and Wild Thing Yoga Pose provide you a new level of energy. Experience a new you with YouVeda’s Guided Yoga Series.