Yoga Pose of the Month: Prasarita Padottanasana
Yet another one of my go to poses when I am feeling stagnant and need a pick me up, Wide Legged Forward Fold or Prasarita Padottanasana. It’s also great for letting go of stress as this pose is known to calm the nervous system. By focusing on the breath and being present in the moment, you can begin to experience a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
To practice Prasarita Padottanasana:
Begin in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Next, step your feet out wide, approximately 4-5 feet apart (a good measure is spreading your arms out in a T position, shifting to align your wrists over your ankles).
Turn your toes slightly inward and ensure that your feet are parallel to each other.
On an inhale, lengthen your spine and draw your navel to your spine to support your core.
On your exhale, hinge at your hips and fold forward, bringing your hands to the ground or a block. Allow the crown of your head to fall toward the earth, releasing any tension in your neck.
On an inhale, slowly rise back up to a standing position.
This pose helps to stretch the hamstrings, inner thighs, and lower back while also calming the mind and reducing stress. As with all yoga postures, it is important to listen to your body and modify the pose as needed to avoid injury or discomfort. Let me know how it goes! Enjoy your practice.
Love + Light,
Laura
