How To

How to Do the Yoga Intense Side Stretch With a Partner

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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The yoga intense side stretch, also called the namaste forward bend, is a fantastic stretch for the ribs, the spine and the arms. If you would like to intensify and perfect the posture of this pose, the help of a partner and a yoga strap can really help.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Stand with your feet open a bit further than one leg's length apart and turn your toes in slightly so that the outsides of your feet are parallel to one another. Inhale deeply and lift your arms behind your back, placing your palms together with your fingers facing up.

  2. Step 2

    Lift your hands as far as you can while keeping your palms together from fingertips to the base of your hands. Turn your right foot out to the side and then exhale as you gently twist your torso to the right.

  3. Step 3

    Have your partner stand behind your and loop a yoga strap around your groin, just along the crease of your hips and legs. Your partner should pull very gently on the straps as you move into the intense side stretch, helping the keep your hips lifted, which deepens the stretch and helps to maintain your perfect posture.

  4. Step 4

    Inhale deeply against the resistance and then exhale and bend forward at the hips over your right leg. Keep both knees straight, but not locked, and your feet flat on the ground. Try to fall into the pose without curving your spine, drawing your forehead down towards your right knee.

  5. Step 5

    Hold the intense side stretch for 30 to 60 seconds and then exhale as you lift up to standing. Your partner should keep a steady pull on the yoga strap until you have lifted and turned your torso and feet to center. Release the strap and perform the pose to the left side.

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