How to Do the Yoga Standing Forward Bend With a Block

The yoga standing forward bend is one of the most basic of all yoga poses. Used in sun salutations and other warm-up poses, the forward bend awakens and warms your entire body, preparing your for practice. When the forward bend becomes easier, you can practice the pose with blocks to increase the stretch along the backs of the legs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Place a yoga block on it's flat side lengthwise in front of your and stand with your feet together, heels and big toes touching. Inhale deeply and lift your arms overhead, palms together, and lengthen through the spine.

2. Exhale and bend forward at the hips. Stretch out through the fingers and keep the spine long and straight. Lower yourself into the forward bend and place your fingertips on the floor in front of the yoga block.

3. Step your feet up onto the block, resting just the balls of your feet and toes on the block. If possible, bring your hands to rest with palms flat on the ground on either side of the yoga block. If you do not have the flexibility, lift up onto your fingertips.

4. Allow your heels to drop off of the edge of the block, increasing the stretch of the forward bend. Breathe slowly and deeply into the pose, trying to drop the heels and the hands a bit further with each exhalation. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds and then gently step off of the block and exhale to a standing position.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you use the block on a non-slippery surface.

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