Standing Half Bend
Half a forward fold, back flat and hands on the shins; the backs of the legs stretch while the back holds its line.
How to do it
Setup
Feet hip-width, knees soft, hinged from the hips, hands on the shins.
Steps
- Press the hands lightly into the shins.
- Lengthen the back from the tailbone to the crown.
- Hold and breathe, then rise with a flat back.
Common mistakes
Rounding to fold lower: the flat back is the pose; stay HALFWAY. Locked knees: soften them if the back cannot stay long. Craning the head up: the neck carries on the line of the back.
Breathing
Inhale lengthening, then breathe evenly in the hold.
