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Reclining Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose

Supta Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

Reclining Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe pose with Yoga strap, or Supta Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, targets the lower body, particularly the hamstrings, and releases the lower back.

TYPE

supine

DIFFICULTY

beginner

MOOD

neutral

Reclining Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe pose with Yoga strap can be done by:

1. Begin by lying down. There should be a slight, natural arch in the lower back.

2. Bend the right knee and lift the leg enough to bring the strap around the sole of the foot.

3. Flex the foot, making sure the second toe lines up with the middle of the ankle crease.

4. Hold one strap end in each hand and extend the leg.

5. The left leg is straight along the floor. The foot is flexed with the toes facing up towards the sky. Press the leg down into the floor.

6. Hug the muscles to the bones in the legs.

7. Move the hands upwards along the strap to deepen the stretch, drawing the leg closer towards the face.

8. Repeat on the other side.

CAUTIONS

Read the following cautions to stay safe:

• Be careful not to lock the knee with the leg that is lifted. Have a tiny bend in the knee if needed.

• Never push too far in a pose. Find your edge, but don't move past it. You should feel the pose working in the body, but still be able to breathe deeply and find some ease in the pose.

• If you are concerned about anything with this pose, please consult a physician about whether this practice is good for you.

OPTIONS

Read the following cautions to stay safe:

• Be careful not to lock the knee. Have a tiny bend in the knee of the leg that is lifted if needed.

• Never push too far in a pose. Find your edge, but don't move past it. You should feel the pose working in the body, but still be able to breathe deeply and find some ease in the pose.

• If you are concerned about anything with this pose, please consult a physician about whether this practice is good for you.

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