intermediate

Hands Under Feet Pose

Pada Hastasana

pah-dah hahs-TAHS-ah-nah

A deep forward fold that intensely stretches the entire back of the body, particularly the hamstrings and wrists. It encourages release of tension and introspection.

Chakras
PrimarySvadhisthana (Sacral)
SecondaryMuladhara (Root)
Gaze:Nose Tip
Quick Summary
  • Fold forward, slide hands under feet.

  • Press feet into palms, lift sit bones.

  • Keep the spine long, release the head.

Foundation
  • Feet hip-width apart or closer, parallel.

  • Bend knees enough to slide hands palms-up under feet, toes to wrist crease.

Alignment
  • Shift weight slightly forward into the balls of your feet.

  • Draw shoulders away from ears, lengthening the neck.

  • Engage quadriceps to lift kneecaps.

Inhale to lengthen the torso, exhale to deepen the fold.
standingforward-bendinversion