advanced

Half Bound Lotus Intense Stretch

Ardha Baddha Padma Uttanasana

ARD-hah BAH-dah PAH-dmah oo-tahn-AHS-ah-nah

An advanced standing forward fold that combines a deep hip opener with a hamstring stretch. It requires significant hip external rotation and hamstring flexibility, while promoting focus and grounding.

Chakras
PrimaryMuladhara (Root)
SecondarySvadhisthana (Sacral)
Gaze:Nose Tip
Quick Summary
  • Start in Half Lotus, standing.

  • Fold forward from the hips, keeping your spine long.

  • Try to bind the lotus foot with the opposite hand behind your back.

Foundation
  • Root firmly through the standing foot, engaging the quadriceps.

  • Ensure the knee of the lotus leg is safe and pain-free before folding.

Alignment
  • Keep the hips level and square to the front of the mat.

  • Lead with the chest, not the head, to maintain spinal length.

  • Micro-bend the standing knee if hamstrings are tight.

Inhale to lengthen the spine, exhale to deepen the fold.
standingforward-bendhip-opener