Forward Folds
These postures stretch the back body, increasing suppleness in the back, creating space between the spinal vertebrae, lengthening and strengthening the muscles in the back and sides of the legs, and boosting knee strength. They improve circulation overall, and specifically, in the abdominal organs. Forward bending also facilitates exhalation of more stale air out of the lungs. By grounding the body, they can restore a sense of balance, and help to calm the mind.
Jenny in a basic Standing Forward Bend Pose (Uttanasana), feet hip width apart and hands on ankles variation, on the Second (Upper) Bald Hill in Jasper National Park, Alberta. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Standing Forward Bend Pose (Uttanasana), feet hip width apart and hands on ankles variation, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny in Standing Intense Forward Stretch Pose (Uttanasana), feet together and hands around the back of the calves variation, at Botanical Beach, along the Juan de Fuca Trail on Vancouver Island, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny in Standing Foot to Hand Forward Bend Pose (Padahastasana), which is a variation of Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana), with the palms of the hands under the soles of feet, on Abbot Ridge, Glacier National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny doing a basic Wide Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana), in the Needles area of Canyonlands National Park, Utah. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny doing a variation of Wide Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana), this time holding onto her ankles and keeping her elbows out to the side, at Sand Point Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington State (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny doing Wide Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana), with the first two fingers around big toe variation, along the Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny doing Wide Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana), with the first two fingers around big toe variation, on Abbot Ridge, Glacier National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny doing Wide Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana), with hands clasped behind the back to facilitate opening the chest and shoulders, on Abbot Ridge, Glacier National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny in Head to Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana), atop Paget Peak in Yoho National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny easing into Head to Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana), at Botanical Beach, along the Juan de Fuca Trail on Vancouver Island, B.C. When doing this pose it is important to remember Eoin Finn’s adage that “The grin on your chin is more important than getting your chin on your shin!” (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Head to Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana), at Botanical Beach, along the Juan de Fuca Trail on Vancouver Island, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny doing Full Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana), rounded back variation, above the Hickman Natural Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. (Photo by Ian Hatter)
Jenny in Seated wide Legged Forward Fold (Upavistha Konasana) on Abbot Ridge, Glacier National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
