beginner

Wide Leg Forward Fold

Prasarita Padottanasana

prah-sah-REE-tah pah-doh-tahn-AHS-ah-nah

A grounding standing inversion that intensely stretches the hamstrings, groins, and entire posterior chain. It calms the nervous system and encourages introspection.

Chakras
PrimaryMuladhara (Root)
SecondaryAjna (Third Eye)
Gaze:Nose Tip
Quick Summary
  • Stand with wide legs, feet parallel.

  • Hinge forward from your hips, keeping your spine long.

  • Release the crown of your head towards the floor.

Foundation
  • Press through the outer edges of your feet, lifting the inner arches.

  • Engage your quadriceps to lift your kneecaps.

Alignment
  • Keep your hips stacked over your ankles.

  • Draw your shoulders away from your ears.

  • Hands can be on the floor, blocks, or holding your ankles/big toes.

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