Strike a Yoga Pose: Seated Wide-Legged Straddle

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:30:00 -0800

After a run, this is one of the poses I always do to stretch out my lower back, shoulders, and hamstrings. I stay in this pose for a good 5 minutes, allowing the backs of my legs to slowly relax and loosen up. It's easy to do, but can be really intense, so ease into it in the beginning.

Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you (about 3-4 feet between your heels).
Sit up nice and tall, extending the crown of your head away from your hips.
Stay here if this is enough for your hamstrings, or you can slowly start folding forward at your hips. Keep your spine long and your back straight (no curve) - you'll really feel it in your hamstrings.
You can either support the weight of your torso with your hands on your legs (traditional Ashtanga Primary Series pose), or your hands out in front of you.
As you feel your body opening up, you can work on bringing your chest towards the ground - make sure your toes and knees are pointing straight up.
For a variation, you can walk your hands over to the right side, folding over that leg, further stretching out the right hamstring. After 5 breaths or longer, walk your hands and torso over to the left side.

What did you think? Have any other favorite poses you do after a run? Tell me about it in Fit's Yoga Stretch and Tell Group.

Want to see some variations? Then read more

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Strike a Yoga Pose: Seated Wide-Legged Straddle