Paschimatanasana | Intense Forward Fold

Photo by Galen Coles

Etymology

Sanskrit Name: Paschimattanasana

English Translation: Intense Back of the Body Posture

Paschima - Back of the Body, West

Ut - Intense

Asana - Posture

How to:

• Sit in Dandasana with the legs extended and the feet together.

• Reach for the feet, holding the big toes. If you have difficulty reaching the toes, hold a towel around the feet to help.

• On an exhale, fold over the legs, looking toward the big toes.

• Hold for 5 breaths.

• After 5 breaths, look up and inhale. Keep hold of the feet as you exhale.

• To deepen, clasp the hands around the feet and repeat for 5 breaths.