How to Do the Yoga Intense Side Stretch With a Block

The intense side stretch, also known as the namaste forward bend, not only stretches the sides of the body, it stretches the backs of the legs, the spine, are arms and the wrist. The namaste prayer position that this pose requires can be quite uncomfortable for beginners, but a yoga block can help.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stand with your feet together and your arms resting at your sides. Inhale deeply, lifting through the spine and then exhale as you step your jump your feet apart about one leg's distance apart. Keep your toes facing in the same direction and the knees straight, but not locked.

2. Hold a yoga block with both hands against the small of your back. The large flat side of the block should rest against your body and the palms of your hands, with fingers pointing up, should press into the long sides of the block. In the full intense side stretch, your palms would be together in prayer position; however, with the help of the block you can gradually gain the flexibility that you need in the wrists and forearms.

3. Inhale deeply as you lift your hands and the yoga block as high up your back as possible. Exhale and then bend forward at the hips, dropping your torso over your front leg as far as possible without bending the knee.

4. Hold the pose for 10 to 20 seconds and then exhale as you lift to standing, alternate legs and repeat on the opposite side.

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