Yoga Pose of the Week - Uttanasana or Standing Forward Fold

This week's yoga pose is the Standing Forward Bend, or Uttanasana.
The pose has a calming and relaxing effect, as do all other forward bends. Practicing this pose can help relieve insomnia, anxiety, and headaches. Physically, the pose offers a stretch to the entire back of the body from the heels to the neck. This yoga pose stretches the entire back and spine, as well as the backs of the legs.
Forward bends stimulate the digestive system and can thereby improve digestion and menstrual discomfort.
Uttanasana or standing forward bend

How to do it?

Exhaling, sink into a forward bend, letting your entire upper body, arms, neck, and head hang completely loose. We suggest three different variations of the pose; choose the one that feels most comfortable for your body.

1. Keeping your legs straight - this provides a stronger stretch to the back of the legs.
2. Bend your knees and let your chest rest on your thighs - for most people, this makes it easier to stay in the pose and also directs more of the pose's effect into the back.
3. Perform the forward bend against a wall. Rest your back and body weight against the wall and let your upper body, arms, and balance go completely loose.
You can find the class schedule HERE