Practice Point #70 - Forward Bends

I received a question from Satya from the USA. Their question is...

I feel very challenged with doing Forward Fold poses as I have very tight hamstrings. How can I get to a beginning and then progress through deepening my forward folding practice? Are there any regular drills you would recommend?

Forward bends are challenging for many people, so know that you are not alone in this struggle.

There are a few things I would like you to consider.

1. Are you doing more things that are shortening your hamstrings than stretching them? For example, you might be doing yoga (stretching hamstrings) once a week, but then cycling or running (shortening hamstrings) 5 days a week. This might be inhibiting your progress. Start with getting a better balance if this is your situation.

2. Be patient! Don't force and let go. I believe that a lot of hamstring tightness is not just muscle tightness but holding on to other things, like stress, fear, trauma etc. Exhale and surrender when you do forward bends.

3. Have you tried doing forward bends sitting on the edge of a chair? The more your raise the seat the more freedom you will find in forward bends and this can be a very good place to start.

I hope this gives you some direction.