5 Best Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings

{"slug":"yoga-poses-for-hamstrings","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldixctfr0tox09k7rfoglac8","slug":"yoga-for-bodybuilders","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Effective Yoga Poses for Bodybuilders (Complete Guide)","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for bodybuilders can help you build more muscle, reduce your chances of injury, improve flexibility and mobility, and lower inflammation.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for bodybuilders to improve overall physical health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-30T14:47:12.900063+00:00","coverUrl":"b8qfyhfhved6qjzxviyd.jpg","content":{"text":"If you’re a bodybuilder, or competitive weightlifter, chances are yoga is not part of your overall fitness routine. After all, yogis are known for long, lean muscles — which is the opposite of what bodybuilders work so hard to create. But contrary to popular belief, incorporating yoga into your weight lifting routine won’t detract from your gains, and it will compliment your efforts in the gym.\\n\\nWhy Bodybuilders Need Yoga\\n\\nIntense weight lifting can put enormous stress on your joints, increasing your risk for injury and inflammation. By increasing your flexibility, lowering inflammation, and improving mobility in your joints, you can counteract any negative effects for better health. Yoga can also prevent you from developing arthritis that could potentially be caused by years of repetitive movement, and reduce any stiffness you might feel after a heavy day at the gym.\\nAlong with improving your range of motion and overall flexibility, yoga can also help improve your posture. From a competition perspective, this can imprtove your performance and potentially level up your chances of doing well.\n\\nYoga can help add to your bodybuilding efforts by toning and strengthening smaller muscle groups that may get neglected through classic weight lifting routines. Yoga postures isolate those minor muscle groups, giving your whole body the workout you never knew you needed. A regular yoga practice can also improve your balance — which will make you more stable and less prone to injury.\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Bodybuilding\\n\n\\nBefore you get started with your own yoga practice, there are a few things you should consider. There are many styles of yoga to choose from, and if you’re just starting out it’s important to start slow at a beginner level. When your body is already a fine-tuned machine, that may be hard to hear. But yoga involves holding postures with very specific alignment — practicing incorrectly can actually cause injury.\\nStart by working with a certified yoga instructor. At \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, you can enroll in online courses from the comfort of your very own home. You can also sign up for private lessons where your instructor can design your course to cater to your unique needs.\n\\nWhile practicing yoga, it’s also important to pay attention to how your body feels. This should come easy to most bodybuilders, who already have a high degree of body awareness. If a yoga pose causes pain or discomfort, take a break from the posture or use a modification like a yoga block, strap, bolster, or blanket. Developing increased flexibility takes time, and it’s wise to take it easy and slow.\\n\n\\n10 Effective Yoga Poses for Bodybuilders -\\n\n\\nYou can get started with your yoga practice by incorporating the following 10 poses into your weekly workout schedule. Try performing these yoga stretches after your weight lifting routine, or on rest days in-between.\n\\n1. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\nThis classic primary pose is essential to any yoga routine, and there’s a reason why — it efficiently stretches your torso, hamstrings, calves, and lower back, while strengthening your shoulders.\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\n\\n2. Low Lunge Pose\n\\n\\nThere’s a chance you’ve already been practicing this pose before performing squats, since it opens up your hips and stretches your glutes.\n\\nFrom Downward Dog, you can transition into Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you. Repeat on the other side.\\n\n\\n3. Standing Forward Fold Pose\\n\\n\\n\n\\nThis pose also stretches your lower back, hamstrings, and calves — and it’s a great posture for lowering your blood pressure and encouraging your body to relax.\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\n\\n4. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\n\\nWhile this yoga move may seem incredibly simple, it’s a staple for increasing flexibility in and around your spine, torso, neck, and lower back.\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\n\\n5. Cobra Pose\\n\\n\\nAfter an intense ab workout, Cobra pose is your best friend. This subtle backbend stretches the abdominal muscles to reduce stiffness, soreness, and decrease your body’s inflammatory response.\\n\\nStart by laying down on the floor on your stomach with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\n\\n6. Bridge Pose\n\\n\\nYou can continue to stretch the muscles in your chest, neck, hips, and spine with Bridge pose. This posture also calms the body while stimulating your digestive organs for a more regulated metabolism.\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n\\n7. Plank\n\\n\\nThis is another pose you may already be familiar with. Plank pose builds strength in your core and lower back, and works to improve your balance and stability.\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\n\\n8. Locust Pose\n\\n\\nSciatica pain is quite common among bodybuilders, since the sciatica nerve can easily become stressed when lifting heavy weights. Locust pose alleviates sciatica pain, increases strength, and stretches your abdominal muscles simultaneously.\n\\nLie face down on your mat, resting your forehead on your forearms and your legs stretched straight out behind you. With an inhale, extend your arms to your sides and lift your lower legs off the mat, keeping your upper legs (thighs and core) flat on the mat. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths.\n\\n9. Boat Pose\\n\\n\\nFor increased core strength, balance, and overall stability, there are few better poses to perform on a regular basis than Boat pose. Use this posture to compliment your ab workout.\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced on your sitting bones. Inhale, engage your core, and as you exhale lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\n\\nIf you’re asking what could be gained by simply lying down flat on your back and remaining still for several minutes, the answer might surprise you. Corpse pose is one of the most important postures in yoga, since it gives your body an opportunity to integrate all of your stretching and strengthening work. It also calms the mind and body, reduces stress responses, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces inflammation.\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love.  Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clda2r496083c0ak7xfyb3sqr","slug":"beginners-guide-to-shakti-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What is Shakti Yoga? Beginner’s Guide to Shakti Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Shakti yoga is an energizing, dynamic yoga routine that awakens your inner feminine power for greater vitality, awareness, and focus.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about Shakti yoga, and what you can expect from a typical class.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-24T10:08:22.599414+00:00","coverUrl":"j6pbujfzshx7tpqftipc.jpg","content":{"text":"Maybe you’ve seen it offered at your local yoga studio or online, but you haven’t tried it because you’re not quite sure what it is. Shakti yoga, or Shakti yoga flow, is a dynamic, energizing form of yoga that isn’t as commonly known as other types of yoga — like Kundalini, Vinyasa, Flow, or Power yoga.\\nIt can be intimidating to learn a new kind of yoga you’re unfamiliar with, but if you’ve never given Shakti yoga a try, we recommend giving it a chance. Shakti yoga not only increases your energy levels, but it also improves your awareness, focus, and awakens your inner god or goddess. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to help you know what to expect from your first class, and the benefits that come from this powerful practice. \n\\nOrigin of Shakti Yoga\\n\\nThe root of Shakti yoga lies in Hinduism, where Shakti is revered as a female goddess that embodies divine feminine power, known as The Great Divine Mother. We can think of Shakti as a goddess, but to gain a deeper understanding of the power of Shakti, it’s helpful to consider her as an essence that lives inside all of us — regardless of our gender identity. \n\\nShakti is formless and yet can take on any form — different goddesses, energies and personalities — and she can activate other Hindu gods. Think of Shakti as a limitless, boundless energy that can be called upon through mantras, chants, breath work, meditations, and yogic movement. Her energy lives coiled at the base of your spine, and you can gain access to it through Shakti yoga flow.\\n\\nWhat is Shakti Yoga?\\n\\nParticipating in Shakti yoga can awaken this energy and move it up your spine, channeling it through your chakras. Like a Vinyasa class, Shakti yoga utilizes dynamic, flowing movement in a yogic dance that facilitates the build-up of your Shakti energy and releases it throughout your chakras and your body.\\nWhile Shakti yoga classes may vary depending on your instructor and the structure of the class, generally you can expect flowing movement that is rooted in spirituality and connected to your breath. Shakti yoga also commonly utilizes specific chants designed to encourage the movement of this powerful energy flow. \\n\\nWhat are the Benefits of Shakti Yoga?\\n\\nSo, how does the channeling and release of Shakti energy benefit you as the practitioner? There are many ways in which Shakti yoga can bring a welcome dose of feminine vitality to your daily life. \n\\nOn a spiritual level, when you take a Shakti yoga class, you can expect to come away with an increased felt sense of vibrancy in your being. Your consciousness will be enlivened and you’ll feel a greater connection with your body, your spirit, and all living things.\n\\nShakti yoga also increases your energy reserves. If you’ve been feeling tired, depressed, and like your internal battery is running low, a Shakti yoga session can animate you physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can improve your circulation, recharge your nervous system, build strength and flexibility, and increase your sense of self-awareness. \n\\nSince the goal of Shakti yoga is to awaken this powerful energy, you may come away feeling like the goddess herself, as you’ve taken on her all-encompassing and healing spirit within your own body. If this sounds amazing, that’s because it is — Shakti energy can make you feel as if you are buzzing with vitality and like you’re glowing with endless light.\n\\nShakti Yoga Routine\\n\\nA typical Shakti yoga session utilizes the same kinds of Hatha yoga poses you’d find in a Vinyasa or Power yoga class. Since this type of yoga is meant to invigorate your body and soul, expect standing and strength building poses that may be somewhat challenging. Asanas like Warrior I, II and III, Dancer’s pose, Sun Salutations, Plank, Downward-Facing Dog and Upward Facing Dog are a few common poses in most Shakti yoga classes.\\nEach pose will be linked together with dynamic movement in conjunction with your breath. While performing Shakti yoga, continuous chanting — or mantras — harnesses your kundalini energy and channels it up your spine and through your chakras. If you already have experience practicing Hatha yoga, the poses will feel familiar to you, and if you’ve been to a Vinyasa or Flow yoga class, the Shakti movement will provide a similar experience. Don’t worry if you stumble a bit with some of the chants — as you repeat them throughout the class, you’ll become accustomed to the Sanskrit words, even if they feel a little foreign at first.\n\\n5 Beginner Shakti Yoga Poses :\\n\\nYou don’t have to wait for the next Shakti class to show up on your yoga studio’s schedule. You can start practicing this divine form of yoga at home by performing the poses below in a flowing manner.\\n\\n1. Sun Salutation Pose\n\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat in Mountain pose with your hands in prayer position. Inhale deeply and sweep your arms above your head into Upward Salute. Exhale and fold forward into Standing Forward Bend. Inhale and lengthen your spine as you shift into Extended Forward Fold. Exhale, bend your knees, step backward with your right leg to perform a lunge. \\nInhale, plant your palms on the mat, and step your left leg back to join your right leg in High Plank pose. Exhale and sink into Low Plank, or Chaturanga Dandansana. You can modify this to Four-Limbed Staff pose if needed. Inhale and dynamically flow into Upward Facing Dog. On your next exhale, lift your hips into Downward Facing Dog. \n\\nInhale and step your right foot forward to perform a lunge on the opposite side. As you exhale, step forward into Standing Forward Fold. Return to Mountain pose by inhaling and rolling yourself upward to standing position, one vertebrae at a time. Press your palms together in prayer position to finish the sequence. Repeat at least 2 more times. \n\\n2. Dancer’s Pose\n\\n\\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Shift your weight onto your left foot, while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. For better balance, keep your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\n\\n3. Warrior I Pose\\n\\n\\nStart in Downward Facing Dog and step your right foot forward. Keep your toes angled toward the front of the mat, and your front leg knee bent at 90 degrees, while strongly engaging your back leg. Your back foot should be slightly angled. Inhale and bring your arms to either prayer position, or in an Upward Salute position above your head. Extend the front side of your body allowing your back to softly bend. Stay here for five to ten breaths.\n\\n4. Warrior II Pose\\n\\n\\nStep your right foot forward on the mat with your toes pointed forward and your right knee bent. You left foot will stay behind you, parallel to the mat. Keep your hips squared and arms stretched over your front and rear legs, distributing your weight evenly between both legs. Stay in this pose for 5-6 breaths.\n\\n5. Warrior III Pose\\n\\n\\nStart in Mountain pose, with your feet hip distance apart. Step your left foot back, turned at a 45 degree angle, and bend your right knee, keeping your right foot pointing forward at a 90 degree angle. Your torso and pelvis should be squared with the front of your mat. Shift your weight to your right (front) foot, lifting your left (back) leg off the ground, extending it straight back behind you, and straightening your right leg. \\nKeep your standing knee slightly bent and avoid locking it. Extend your arms forward above your head, so that your entire body is positioned in a straight line, parallel to the floor. Engage your core, extend your body from your fingertips to the toes of your lifted foot, and focus your gaze on the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\n\\n2 Powerful Shakti Yoga Mantras :\\n\\nTo deepen your Shakti yoga practice, try incorporating mantras with your routine. Even if you don’t know the meaning of every word, the sounds and syllables are designed to awaken your Shakti energy. Repeat as often as you can during your practice.\n\\n1. Adi Shakti Mantra\\n\\nAdi shakti, adi shakti, adi shakti, namo namo\\nSarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, namo namo\\nPritham bhagvati, pritham bhagvati, pritham bhagvati, namo namo\\nKundalini mata Shakti, mata Shakti, namo namo\\n\n\\nTranslation:\\n\n\\nI bow to the primal power\\nI bow to the all-encompassing power\\nI bow to the creative power at the beginning\\nI bow to the divine mother of all peace\\n\n\\n2. Maha Shakti Mantra\\n\\nYa devi sarva bhuteshu\\nShakti rupena samsthita\\nNamastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaha\\nYa devi sarva bhuteshu\\nChetanetyabhidhiyate\\nNamastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaha\n\\nTranslation:\\n\n\\nOh Goddess, who lives within everything in the form of power,\\nSalutations to you, salutations to you, salutations to you\\nOh Goddess, whom we name with the word awareness,\\nSalutations to you, salutations to you."},"category":[]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday,  January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip  and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl3uq4n3p8gy40bkb6ekztafo","slug":"yoga-for-neck-pain","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Restorative Yin Yoga Poses for Neck and Shoulder Pain","createdAt":"2022-05-31T22:21:04.879358+00:00","coverUrl":"u92rlshwashhjwgeelb0.jpg","content":{"text":"You may hear a lot about yoga for back pain, yoga for joint pain, yoga for lots of different types of pain. That’s why we don’t want to leave out yoga for neck and shoulder pain!\\nYour cervical spine is the most fragile part of your skeletal system! Not only does it hold up your head (about 10-11 lbs!), it is also the least protected of any other part of your body. Think about it. If you’re in a car accident, your neck area is one of the primary areas of injury. \\nMany\\n types of accidents can cause injury to your cervical spine. Additionally, your shoulders are connected to your neck area. So injuries to neck muscles often cause pain and misalignment in your shoulders as well.\\nA yin yoga practice focused on your neck and shoulders is not only beneficial for pain relief from prior injuries, arthritis, or previous surgeries. Yin yoga is great for preventing pain and injury to the neck and shoulder area as well!\\nYin yoga alleviates tension in the muscles, helps correct poor posture, and increases flexibility and circulation in the neck and shoulder areas. \\nOne of our amazing yoga instructors, Supriya, even offers a Yoga for Neck and Shoulders class! Because here at MyYogaTeacher, we know that yoga heals! We offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nLet me talk to you about my top 5 yin yoga poses for neck and shoulder pain relief!\\n\\n\\n\n1. Standing forward bend\\nRolling down into standing forward bend, knees bent or straight (depending on your preference), release your head down so the crown of your head faces the ground. This pose is most effective for your neck and shoulders if you relax and sort of dangle and take 5-10 deep breaths. You may also choose to gently sway side to side.\\nThis isn’t traditionally a yin yoga pose because it’s not completely static, but it is restorative and helps stretch your neck, shoulders and back. If you want, you may roll back up to standing or mountain pose and repeat standing forward bend again.]\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Thread the needle\\nThis pose provides significant relief from neck and shoulder pain. The twisting from this pose also releases tension in the lower and upper back. Feel free to place a blanket or block under your head if you need some elevation or are uncomfortable. Perform this pose on both sides, holding for 1-2 minutes on each side.\\nBegin on all fours with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.\\nLift your right hand up towards the sky and bring it down and underneath your torso to the left along the floor with your palm facing up.\\nPress your left hand into the floor for support as your rest your body on your right shoulder and look over to the left.\\nRemain in this position for 1-2 minutes, as tolerated.\\nRelease gently and slowly, pressing back into Child’s Posefor a few breaths, and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n\\n\\n3. Half lord of the fishes pose\\nYin yoga poses for neck and back often benefit other parts of your body as well. This is one such pose! Half lord of the fishes pose provides a great stretch in the upper \\nand\\n lower back and helps alleviate tension in the muscles that result from bad posture.\\nFrom sitting, bring your right foot along the floor across to the outside of your left hip.\\nPlant your right foot on the floor, so that your right knee is pointing up.Your right foot should be “rooted” on the outside of your left thigh.\\nBend your left knee so that your left foot is still on the floor but close to your body\\nLengthen your spine and then twist your upper body to the left.\\nPlace your left hand on the floor behind your buttocks.\\nBring your right arm to the outside of your left leg.\\nTurn your head to look over either shoulder, or you may gently circle your head.\\nStay in this pose for 1 minute.\\nThen do it on the opposite side.\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Triangle pose\\nTriangle pose stretches the neck, shoulders and upper back. You may use a block under the hand that reaches to the floor for more stability or if you do not have the flexibility to reach the floor. You may also place your hand on your shin or ankle, as long as you maintain proper alignment.\n\\nStand with your feet apart so that they’re wider than your hips.\\nTurn your right toes towards the front of your mat and your left toes out at an angle.\\nRaise your arms up so they’re parallel to the floor with your palms facing down, similar to the beginning of Warrior I, but keep your legs straight. Your chest should be facing out.\\nKeeping your legs straight, reach forward with your right arm as you hinge at your right hip.\\nLower your right arm and lift your left arm up toward the ceiling.\\nTurn your gaze in any direction or you can do gentle neck rotations looking up and down.\\nRemain in this pose for 1-2 minutes, as tolerated.\\nRepeat on opposite side.\\n\\n\\n\\n5. Child’s pose\\nChild’s pose is the most popular and an extremely beneficial yoga pose practiced in all types of yoga! In child’s pose, your neck, back, and shoulders are lengthened, creating space between the vertebrae, similar to standing forward bend. This relieves tension and helps realign your neck and spine. \\nPlacing your arms out in front of you (versus by your sides) gives your shoulders a good stretch as well. You can also place a block or bolster under your head or hips if that is more comfortable. Hold this pose as long as is desired but at least 1-2 minutes.\\nI hope you find these poses as helpful as I do for relieving neck and shoulder pain! A full yin yoga class is a great option to truly get relief in these areas. We carry so much tension in our neck and shoulders from bad posture, sitting at a computer or desk, or from other types of exercise. I invite you to try one of the many classes and \\nworkshops\\n at MyYogaTeacher!\\n\n\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\n⁠Check out our latest article on \\n5 Yin Yoga Poses to Loosen Your Hips\\n\\n"}},{"id":"ckz7ga2283v6i0b81t5mhp1b4","slug":"yoga-poses-against-wall","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"How Using a Wall in Your Yin Yoga Practice Can Give You Unparalleled Release","createdAt":"2022-02-03T20:47:50.859672+00:00","coverUrl":"zlf5j1vaur5u2tfqkc90.jpg","content":{"text":"Some days you’re energetic and motivated to move your body, but some days you’re not! Some days you feel so sore that wiggling your feet hurts. And some days, maybe you just. can’t. \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand all of those types of days. They just mean we’re all human!\\nThe good news is there’s a yoga for that. If you know us at all, you know that we want to make sure that anyone and everyone who wants to practice yoga feels comfortable doing so. No matter what kind of day they’re having.\\nUsing props in yoga is nothing new. Especially yin yoga! You should always feel comfortable using a yoga prop if needed. But so many yogis underestimate the power of using a wall as a prop!\\nMaking use of a wall in yin yoga has major physical and mental health benefits, but it also allows you to do something good for your body on days when you’re just not feelin’ it. As a matter of fact, when you’re sore or unmotivated (or both), using a wall for some relaxing yin yoga is probably just what your mind and body need!\\nMyYogaTeacher is excited to offer so many different types of yoga classes to meet the needs of our community of yogis! Yin yoga is just one of them. \\nAnd\\n it’s offered at various times on different days so you can find a time that works best for you to try it out! Plus, we have several expert yoga instructors who teach yin yoga. You get to choose which one you like best!\\nIf you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\n\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nMeanwhile, let’s talk about how using a wall – the prop everyone has at home – for your yin yoga practice provides unprecedented relief from tight, sore muscles, headaches, and many other things!\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Feet up a wall pose\\nSeems pretty basic right? Lying down and propping your feet and legs up against a wall. Maybe so, but the benefits of feet up a wall pose are tremendous, especially if you decided to hold it for longer periods of time.\\nIn this pose, you get a good hamstring stretch and release the muscles in your lower back. This inverted pose is passive and helps you melt into the floor as you let go of stress anxiety. \\nFeet up a wall pose also:\\n\\nReduces swelling in the feet and legs\\nRelieves migraine headache pain\\nHelps manage varicose veins\\nImproves thyroid function\\nPromotes better circulation\\nHelps you sleep better\\nImproves digestion\\nThat’s a lot for a yoga pose where you get to lay down and relax, right? Inverted poses are also wonderful for promoting lymph flow, which is important for immunity, amongst other things.\\nSee? Basic isn’t always bad!\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Butterfly pose on a wall\\nWhen sitting up is just too much or too hard on your back and knees, you can get the same benefits of this pose lying down!\\nFrom feet up a wall pose, bring the soles of your feet together and bend your knees out to the sides as you slide your feet down the wall. You may like to have a folded blanket, mat, or bolster handy to place under your hips if you experience any discomfort.\\nButterfly pose will stretch out your inner thighs, open your hips, and releases tension in your lower back. All while allowing you to rest and relax!\\nAnd because you’re doing this pose up against the wall instead of sitting upright, you’ll be able to focus more on allowing your body to stretch and relax passively versus worrying about the proper alignment of your spine or utilizing muscles that you need to use when you’re sitting.\\n\\n\\n\\n3. King Arthur’s Pose\\nWhile walls are great for relaxing, gravity-induced yoga poses, they also help yogis deepen their practice in a way that’s safe and promotes good alignment. King Arthur’s Pose is a great example of how yogis can experience a deeper stretch than they normally would doing other similar poses without the assistance of a wall.\\nKing Arthur’s Pose will stretch and lengthen the quadriceps and hip flexors, which is particularly helpful for people who sit a lot during the day for work or school. \\nThis pose feels sooooooo good! Even if you’re already pretty bendy.\\nAnother benefit to this wall pose is that it’s very stabilizing. No need to be wobbling around for standing quad stretches or worrying about keeping your knees protected. This pose takes care of all of that for you!\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Reclined Pigeon Pose\\nThis wall pose version of reclined pigeon pose might be even better than the original!\\nWhy? Because there’s no reaching or grabbing or holding onto anything involved in practicing it. Plus, you can adjust the intensity of this pose by bringing you hips closer to or further away from the wall.\\nReclined pigeon pose will bring sweet relief to tight hips and glutes, as well as releasing tension in the lower back muscles. This wall pose also helps:\\n\\nRelieve sciatica or piriformis issues\\nImprove digestion\\nIncrease blood flow and circulation to pelvis\\nOpen the hips\\nYou may want to rest your head on a pillow or blanket during this pose, but it is not advised to place one under your hips as it could cause your hips to be uneven.\\n\\n5. Standing Forward Bend\\nBesides the fact that beginner yogis and yogis who aren’t super flexible, are older, or have issues with vertigo may struggle to balance during standing forward bend, this wall pose also can help people deepen the stretch in their hamstrings and glutes.\\nSome people really struggle with forward bend, and that’s ok! It doesn’t matter how simple a yoga pose is, if using a wall helps you do a pose correctly and safely, then we’re all for it!\\nThe key to getting the most out of standing forward bend (with or without a wall) is to make sure you allow your head to drop down and hang. Forward bend stretches out the entire spine, the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back muscles.\\nThis inversion pose also helps alleviate migraine pain and headaches and brings more circulation to the brain and scalp. Which is great for cleansing the lymphatic system and boosts immunity.\\nThere are many other poses you can practice using a wall. If you’re familiar with yoga, try these wall yoga poses as well:\\nMelting heart\\nMonkey pose (with back foot anchored)\\nKing Cobra\\nSupine reclined twist\\nSide plank\\nCheck out our latest article on \\n5 Yin Yoga Poses to Loosen Your Hips\\n\\nNeed some help discovering new ways to practice ancient moves? Maybe you aren’t sure about how to perform specific poses, whether it’s against a wall or not. We understand that!\\nGood thing MyYogaTeacher has several solution options for that! If you haven’t checked out our affordable 1:1 membership plans,\\n you can sign up for your 2-week free trial and get a look at what’s available to you here!\\n\\nJoin the community of members who are really enjoying the perks of 1:1 instruction at MyYogaTeacher!\\n“Doing yoga 1:1 I get to practice with one teacher who knows what I need and can track progress.” - Erin, MYT member since October 2019\\n“Making a correction with 1:1 yoga is way better than any corrections that are ever made in a group class.” - Michael, MYT member since October 2019\\n“There is more focus on your alignment and you get more personal attention with 1:1. You make progress a lot quicker because the teacher is able to fully focus on you and change the techniques based on your body type and need.” - Kashmira, MYT member since November 2019\\n\\nLearn more and sign up here!\\n\\n\n\n\n\n"}},{"id":"ckox41n7s3yvm0c79ceyfyqk7","slug":"breathwork-and-yoga","author":{"name":"Bharath","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Why Breath is an Important Part of Your Yoga Practice","createdAt":"2021-05-20T16:30:37.624653+00:00","coverUrl":"hjrzagexcb4hn9uy17cx.jpg","content":{"text":"I’m pretty certain you’ve heard a lot about doing breathwork, also known as breathing exercises, before, during, and after your yoga practice.\\n\\nBut is breathing through your asanas just something you’ve been doing because your teacher told you to? Is breathwork just that, breathing? What is breathing to you?\\n\\nFor me, breath is life. It’s magic. It’s my pathway to heaven while I’m still alive.\\n\\nAnd the breath is a tool to connect, calm, and control your mind. To bring awareness to your inner self.\\n\\nWhich is what yoga is all about.\\n\\nThis is why I wanted to teach a \\nBreath and Flow class with myYogaTeacher!\\n Because pranayama (breath) and meditation are really the best part of yoga.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nLet’s look at how breath works in yoga and why the breath is the most important part of your yoga practice.\\n\\nBreath and your yoga flow\\n\\nPhysiologically\\n\\nWhen you begin your yoga practice, you begin synchronizing your breath with your movements. Whether an instructor is guiding you through this process or you’ve become accustomed to doing it on your own, breathing becomes conscious, versus automated.\\n\\nYou become aware of how your breath moves with your body, particularly during more strenuous flows or asanas where controlling your breath becomes more difficult. \\n\\nThis is where the magic begins! \\n\\nThe mind gets quieter. The body feels calmer.\\n\\nMentally and emotionally\\n\\nBreath is what allows us to experience life! Literally.\\n\\nThe practice of yoga is designed to bring harmony to our inner and outer selves. So we can experience the very essence of life through all our senses.\\n\\nWithout breath, senses can not exist.\\n\\nOptimizing our breath with even inhales and exhales during our yoga practice also opens us up to our greatest potential. It releases tension, anxiety, and revitalizes our mind and spirit.\\n\\nPhysically\\n\\nThis brings us to how breathwork and meditation as a part of a comprehensive yoga practice affect our physical bodies.\\n\\nBreath awareness can eliminate tension in the muscles, joint compression, and help realign our posture. When we hold our breath, we prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching our muscles and organs, causing contraction. Which then causes pain.\\n\\nYoga teaches us how to breathe properly and in a way that is much more beneficial than what we are accustomed to.\\n\\nBreath and your mind\\n\\nBeing active and moving your body definitely releases endorphins. You feel good, happier. But that is often short lived.\\n\\nWhen your breath changes, it’s telling you something about yourself, your mind. For example, you may not notice but when you’re stressed, tense, angry, you breathe heavier. Much more shallow breaths. When you’re sleeping, your breathing is generally much deeper and slower, just like when you’re relaxed.\\n\\nThe breath moves with the mind and vice versa!\\n\\nIt makes sense, then, that if we can control our breathing, we can control much of what’s going on in our mind.\\n\\nIf we can control our mind, we can move with more ease and positivity in our environment and world.\\n\\n4 Types of yoga breathing and their benefits\\n\\nUjjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath or Ocean Breath)\\n\\nThis is the most common of yoga breathing techniques and is usually identified as sound like the wind in the trees or the rise and fall of the ocean waves against the sand.\\n\\nUjjayi Pranayama is soothing and calms the central nervous system even when done in conjunction with a faster paced vinyasa practice. The flow of the breath with the movements releases tension throughout the body.\\n\\nNadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)\\n\\nThis form of breath work is designed to purify and unblock your nadis, energy channels that flow through your body and connect to your chakras.\\n\\nStudies have shown that people who practice this form of breathing on a consistent basis have lower blood pressure and better mental focus. Alternate nostril breathing is often done at the end of a yoga practice.\\n\\nKumbhaka Pranayama (Breath Retention)\\n\\nKumbhaka Pranayama is probably known to you simply as deep breathing. Except in this practice, you actually hold your breath for a bit, breathe in a little bit more and hold it for as long as you can before releasing.\\n\\nThis can be difficult for people who are very anxious, so they may want to begin with holding their breath for much shorter periods of time. But ultimately, this type of breathing is meant to fully oxygenate the blood.\\n\\nKapalabhati Pranayama (Breath of Fire)\\n\\nFeeling groggy? Maybe you woke up in a fog or you’re just having a mentally exhausting day. The Breath of Fire breathing technique will bring a pep back into your step and improve decision making and mental focus.\\n\\nThis type of breathwork is not beneficial when you’re already under a lot of stress.\\n\\n\\nIf you’re unsure about how to perform any of these breathing techniques, you’d definitely love my \\nBreathe and Flow class!\\n It’s perfect for any level of yogi, and we focus on breathing, meditation, and foundational yoga poses in a full-body flow.\\n\\nAs I mentioned before, myYogaTeacher is full of almost any type of yoga class you could possibly want to attend! And they’re taught by instructors like me, from the birthplace of yoga, India. Whether you need a personalized 1:1 session or are game for a group session, we’re here to guide you on your health journey. We give you tips and tricks, corrections and goals.\\n\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher here and jump into my class!\\n\\n\\nMy name’s Bharath. I’ll be your teacher. :-)\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"clcj3lf1lgzxo0biq4f8y3r90","slug":"yoga-poses-for-hamstrings","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"5 Best Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings","createdAt":"2023-01-05T13:02:09.506404+00:00","updatedAt":"2023-01-11T13:52:07.742983+00:00","coverUrl":"anffcybhmxlctir9ccfd.jpg","seoDescription":"Tight hamstrings lead to imbalance throughout the body, but you can help relax and lengthen those muscles with a few simple yoga poses.","content":{"text":"You don’t have to be a runner, skier, cyclist, dancer, or a climber to know the feeling of tight hamstrings. Sitting for hours at a desk can also restrict the muscles along the backsides of your legs, and this kind of tension can cause stiffness and soreness, as well as numerous other issues. \n\\nLeft untreated, overly tight hamstrings can cause injury to your joints — especially your ankles, hips, and your knees. They can also affect your ability to play sports, and the simple act of walking can start to feel stiff and painful.\n\\nSymptoms of Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\nTight hamstrings can lead to further imbalance in the body, manifesting as pain in your lower back and/or knees, a tight sciatica or IT band and pelvic problems. You may feel pain in one or both sides of your hips, and your stride may be uneven — which in turn affects your whole body.\\nIf you’re suffering from these kinds of symptoms, you can help relax your hamstring muscles and realign your body by practicing yoga. In fact, yoga for your hamstrings not only helps relieve some of that tension, but it also builds strength, improves mobility, and lowers inflammation.\n\\n\\nHow to Practice Yoga for Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\nYou can relax and lengthen your hamstring muscles by practicing a few simple moves every day. You won’t see immediate changes overnight, but if you perform poses that stretch your hamstrings, glutes, calves, and connective tissue on a regular basis, you’ll find relief from pain and a better sense of balance throughout your body.\n\\nIt’s important to always warm up before practicing yoga to avoid injury and to allow for a deeper stretch. Avoid pushing yourself too deeply into a pose, and if you’re just starting out pay attention to how your body feels and remember to take it slowly. \n\\nDaily Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\nTry practicing this warm up and asana sequence on a regular basis to relax your hamstrings. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can take your practice to the next level with even deeper postures for tight hamstrings.\n\\nWarm up Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\n1. Mountain Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nStart by warming up at the top of your mat, inhaling and standing tall in Mountain pose. Feel your hamstrings, calves, glutes, and quads energize as you stand rooted and firm on your mat.\\n\\n2. Standing Half-Forward Bend \\n\\n\\n\\nAs you exhale, bend forward from your waist while keeping your gaze straight ahead. Rest your hands on your thighs or the floor while you hold this pose for 30 to 60 seconds.\n\\n5 Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\n1. Standing Forward Fold Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nFrom Standing Half-Forward Fold, allow your body to sink deeper into the stretch by letting your chest relax on your thighs and extending your arms down onto the mat. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\nThis stretch lengthens the muscles along the backsides of your legs and provides relief for lower back pain. Even though it’s a standing posture, Standing Forward Fold is incredibly relaxing and effective in calming your mind. \\n\\n2. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nYou can transition from Standing Forward Fold into Downward Facing dog by bending your knees, placing your palms firmly on your mat, and walking your feet backward. Keep your hips lifted so that your body resembles an inverted “V” shape. Press down through your heels and your hands so that you’re giving your hamstrings a deep stretch. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\nDownward Facing Dog activates your legs while stretching your glutes, hamstrings and calves. It also helps relieve lower back pain and builds strength in your shoulders.\\n \\n3. Triangle Pose\\n\\n \\nFrom Downward Facing Dog bend your right knee and bring your right foot up between your hands. Plant your feet and lift your body up, extending both arms out to your sides. Pivot your left foot so that it rests parallel with the edge of your mat. Balance your weight between your feet, keeping your legs engaged but with a soft bend in your knees. On your next exhale, hinge at your waist, bending to place your right hand on your right foot, ankle, or floor. Slowly rotate your torso and extend your back arm until both of your arms are positioned in a straight line. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side.\\nTriangle pose lengthens your hamstrings as well as the muscles along your entire side-body. This position also helps stretch and realign your pelvic muscles.\\n \\n4. Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nTransition by moving back to the top of your mat and standing in Mountain pose. Relax here for a moment while you find your balance. Gently shift your weight to your left foot and raise your right knee from the ground. With your first two right fingers, reach for the big toe of your right leg. As you inhale, slowly extend your right leg in front of you while maintaining a straight spine and open chest. Hold this pose for five breaths, and on your next inhalation, open your right leg to your right side and hold it there for another five breaths. To return to your original position, inhale and slowly bring your right leg back to the center and lower it to the ground as you exhale. Repeat on your left leg.\\nHand-To-Big-Toe not only stretches and lengthens your hamstrings, but it also realigns your pelvis and improves your balance and posture.\\n \\n5. Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nTurn at the top of your mat and step your legs wide for Wide-Angle Forward Fold. Engage your quads while keeping your knees soft. Bend forward from your waist and rest the crown of your head on the floor. If you’re feeling stiff and unable to touch your head to the floor, try bending far enough to rest your forearms or hands on the floor. Breathe deeply into this pose and hold for 30-60 seconds.\\nWide-Angle Forward Fold relieves lower back pain while stretching your hamstrings and the sides of your legs. This pose also provides a deep hip stretch.\\n \\nMore Advanced Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings\\nReady to elevate your practice to a new level? Once you’ve begun the process of loosening your hamstrings with the above poses, try challenging yourself a little further with some of these more advanced poses:\\n \\n1. One-Legged Side Plank Pose \\n\\n\\n\\nGive yourself a deep hamstring stretch while developing strength and balance with this pose. From Plank position, rotate your right arm and body until you are balancing on your left hand the outer edge of your left foot. Bend your right knee, hold your big toe, and straighten your right leg. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2. Monkey Pose \\n\\n\\n\\nThis pose stretches your hamstrings and activates your inner thighs and glutes  from a seated position. From the Crescent Moon pose, extend one leg in front of you and the other behind you as far as you can, while raising your arms above your head. \\n \\n3. Firefly Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nFirefly requires advanced-level abdominal and upper body strength. Planting your hands on your mat, bend your knees and rest your thighs on the backs of your arms. From this position, wrap your legs in front and extend your feet outward.","html":"<p>You don’t have to be a runner, skier, cyclist, dancer, or a climber to know the feeling of tight hamstrings. Sitting for hours at a desk can also restrict the muscles along the backsides of your legs, and this kind of tension can cause stiffness and soreness, as well as numerous other issues. <br></p><p>Left untreated, overly tight hamstrings can cause injury to your joints — especially your ankles, hips, and your knees. They can also affect your ability to play sports, and the simple act of walking can start to feel stiff and painful.<br></p><h2><strong>Symptoms of Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h2><p>Tight hamstrings can lead to further imbalance in the body, manifesting as pain in your lower back and/or knees, a tight sciatica or IT band and pelvic problems. You may feel pain in one or both sides of your hips, and your stride may be uneven — which in turn affects your whole body.</p><p>If you’re suffering from these kinds of symptoms, you can help relax your hamstring muscles and realign your body by practicing yoga. In fact, yoga for your hamstrings not only helps relieve some of that tension, but it also builds strength, improves mobility, and lowers inflammation.<br></p><p></p><h2><strong>How to Practice Yoga for Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h2><p>You can relax and lengthen your hamstring muscles by practicing a few simple moves every day. You won’t see immediate changes overnight, but if you perform poses that stretch your hamstrings, glutes, calves, and connective tissue on a regular basis, you’ll find relief from pain and a better sense of balance throughout your body.<br></p><p>It’s important to always warm up before practicing yoga to avoid injury and to allow for a deeper stretch. Avoid pushing yourself too deeply into a pose, and if you’re just starting out pay attention to how your body feels and remember to take it slowly. <br></p><h3><strong>Daily Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h3><p>Try practicing this warm up and asana sequence on a regular basis to relax your hamstrings. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can take your practice to the next level with even deeper postures for tight hamstrings.<br></p><h3><strong>Warm up Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h3><h4><strong>1. Mountain Pose</strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:7008,height:4672/urtde5VZTUBl7ZLi67iy\" alt=\"Mountain Pose\" title=\"moutain.jpg\" width=\"7008\" height=\"4672\" /><p></p><p>Start by warming up at the top of your mat, inhaling and standing tall in Mountain pose. Feel your hamstrings, calves, glutes, and quads energize as you stand rooted and firm on your mat.</p><p></p><h4><strong>2. Standing Half-Forward Bend </strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:3504,height:2336/ZD3WiO8sTJSMEWyMc2q1\" alt=\"Standing Half-Forward Bend \" title=\"Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog).jpg\" width=\"3504\" height=\"2336\" /><p></p><p>As you exhale, bend forward from your waist while keeping your gaze straight ahead. Rest your hands on your thighs or the floor while you hold this pose for 30 to 60 seconds.<br></p><h2><strong>5 Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings</strong></h2><h2><br></h2><h3><strong>1. Standing Forward Fold Pose</strong></h3><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/4sYqYA4oR5ehbMHSRDkg\" alt=\"Standing Forward Fold Pose\" title=\"1. Standing Forward Fold.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><p></p><p>From Standing Half-Forward Fold, allow your body to sink deeper into the stretch by letting your chest relax on your thighs and extending your arms down onto the mat. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.</p><p>This stretch lengthens the muscles along the backsides of your legs and provides relief for lower back pain. Even though it’s a standing posture, Standing Forward Fold is incredibly relaxing and effective in calming your mind. </p><p></p><h3><strong>2. Downward Facing Dog Pose</strong></h3><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/vFYqqxJNTCcv4HksemAh\" alt=\"Downward Facing Dog Pose\" title=\"2. Down Facing Dog.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><p></p><p>You can transition from Standing Forward Fold into Downward Facing dog by bending your knees, placing your palms firmly on your mat, and walking your feet backward. Keep your hips lifted so that your body resembles an inverted “V” shape. Press down through your heels and your hands so that you’re giving your hamstrings a deep stretch. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.</p><p>Downward Facing Dog activates your legs while stretching your glutes, hamstrings and calves. It also helps relieve lower back pain and builds strength in your shoulders.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>3. Triangle Pose</strong></h3><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/u6K4sHQpQsubD0EYzQty\" alt=\"Triangle Pose\" title=\"3. Triange Pose.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p>From Downward Facing Dog bend your right knee and bring your right foot up between your hands. Plant your feet and lift your body up, extending both arms out to your sides. Pivot your left foot so that it rests parallel with the edge of your mat. Balance your weight between your feet, keeping your legs engaged but with a soft bend in your knees. On your next exhale, hinge at your waist, bending to place your right hand on your right foot, ankle, or floor. Slowly rotate your torso and extend your back arm until both of your arms are positioned in a straight line. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side.</p><p>Triangle pose lengthens your hamstrings as well as the muscles along your entire side-body. This position also helps stretch and realign your pelvic muscles.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>4. Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose</strong></h3><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/5JexdA25RKGMJU5YEk9w\" alt=\"Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\" title=\"4. Hand to Big Toe.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><p></p><p>Transition by moving back to the top of your mat and standing in Mountain pose. Relax here for a moment while you find your balance. Gently shift your weight to your left foot and raise your right knee from the ground. With your first two right fingers, reach for the big toe of your right leg. As you inhale, slowly extend your right leg in front of you while maintaining a straight spine and open chest. Hold this pose for five breaths, and on your next inhalation, open your right leg to your right side and hold it there for another five breaths. To return to your original position, inhale and slowly bring your right leg back to the center and lower it to the ground as you exhale. Repeat on your left leg.</p><p>Hand-To-Big-Toe not only stretches and lengthens your hamstrings, but it also realigns your pelvis and improves your balance and posture.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>5. Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose</strong></h3><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:3055/IhGdG6wSlCjS1OSL8EMO\" alt=\"Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\" title=\"5. Wide Angled Forward Fold.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"3055\" /><p></p><p>Turn at the top of your mat and step your legs wide for Wide-Angle Forward Fold. Engage your quads while keeping your knees soft. Bend forward from your waist and rest the crown of your head on the floor. If you’re feeling stiff and unable to touch your head to the floor, try bending far enough to rest your forearms or hands on the floor. Breathe deeply into this pose and hold for 30-60 seconds.</p><p>Wide-Angle Forward Fold relieves lower back pain while stretching your hamstrings and the sides of your legs. This pose also provides a deep hip stretch.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>More Advanced Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings</strong></h3><p>Ready to elevate your practice to a new level? Once you’ve begun the process of loosening your hamstrings with the above poses, try challenging yourself a little further with some of these more advanced poses:</p><p> </p><h4><strong>1. One-Legged Side Plank Pose </strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:7008,height:4672/Yx4E6XpGTg3xXKy8KrnX\" alt=\"One-Legged Side Plank Pose \" title=\"6. One Legged Side Plank Pose.jpg\" width=\"7008\" height=\"4672\" /><p></p><p>Give yourself a deep hamstring stretch while developing strength and balance with this pose. From Plank position, rotate your right arm and body until you are balancing on your left hand the outer edge of your left foot. Bend your right knee, hold your big toe, and straighten your right leg. Repeat on the other side.</p><p> </p><h4><strong>2. Monkey Pose </strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:3241/q856ZZjR0SZICuKrP2Tg\" alt=\"Monkey Pose\" title=\"7. Monkey Pose.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"3241\" /><p></p><p>This pose stretches your hamstrings and activates your inner thighs and glutes  from a seated position. From the Crescent Moon pose, extend one leg in front of you and the other behind you as far as you can, while raising your arms above your head. </p><p> </p><h4><strong>3. Firefly Pose</strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/JMGKeS4ZQIiEyJj6N6cZ\" alt=\"Firefly Pose\" title=\"8. Firefly Pose.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><p></p><p>Firefly requires advanced-level abdominal and upper body strength. Planting your hands on your mat, bend your knees and rest your thighs on the backs of your arms. From this position, wrap your legs in front and extend your feet outward.</p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>You don’t have to be a runner, skier, cyclist, dancer, or a climber to know the feeling of tight hamstrings. Sitting for hours at a desk can also restrict the muscles along the backsides of your legs, and this kind of tension can cause stiffness and soreness, as well as numerous other issues. <br></p><p>Left untreated, overly tight hamstrings can cause injury to your joints — especially your ankles, hips, and your knees. They can also affect your ability to play sports, and the simple act of walking can start to feel stiff and painful.<br></p><h2><strong>Symptoms of Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h2><p>Tight hamstrings can lead to further imbalance in the body, manifesting as pain in your lower back and/or knees, a tight sciatica or IT band and pelvic problems. You may feel pain in one or both sides of your hips, and your stride may be uneven — which in turn affects your whole body.</p><p>If you’re suffering from these kinds of symptoms, you can help relax your hamstring muscles and realign your body by practicing yoga. In fact, yoga for your hamstrings not only helps relieve some of that tension, but it also builds strength, improves mobility, and lowers inflammation.<br></p><p></p><h2><strong>How to Practice Yoga for Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h2><p>You can relax and lengthen your hamstring muscles by practicing a few simple moves every day. You won’t see immediate changes overnight, but if you perform poses that stretch your hamstrings, glutes, calves, and connective tissue on a regular basis, you’ll find relief from pain and a better sense of balance throughout your body.<br></p><p>It’s important to always warm up before practicing yoga to avoid injury and to allow for a deeper stretch. Avoid pushing yourself too deeply into a pose, and if you’re just starting out pay attention to how your body feels and remember to take it slowly. <br></p><h3><strong>Daily Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h3><p>Try practicing this warm up and asana sequence on a regular basis to relax your hamstrings. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can take your practice to the next level with even deeper postures for tight hamstrings.<br></p><h3><strong>Warm up Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h3><h4><strong>1. Mountain Pose</strong></h4><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:7008,height:4672/urtde5VZTUBl7ZLi67iy\" \n                alt=\"Mountain Pose\"\n                title=\"Mountain Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:7008,height:4672/urtde5VZTUBl7ZLi67iy\"\n                alt=\"Mountain Pose\"\n                title=\"Mountain Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:7008,height:4672/urtde5VZTUBl7ZLi67iy\"\n                alt=\"Mountain Pose\"\n                title=\"Mountain Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><p>Start by warming up at the top of your mat, inhaling and standing tall in Mountain pose. Feel your hamstrings, calves, glutes, and quads energize as you stand rooted and firm on your mat.</p><p></p><h4><strong>2. Standing Half-Forward Bend </strong></h4><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:3504,height:2336/ZD3WiO8sTJSMEWyMc2q1\" \n                alt=\"Standing Half-Forward Bend \"\n                title=\"Standing Half-Forward Bend \"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:3504,height:2336/ZD3WiO8sTJSMEWyMc2q1\"\n                alt=\"Standing Half-Forward Bend \"\n                title=\"Standing Half-Forward Bend \"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:3504,height:2336/ZD3WiO8sTJSMEWyMc2q1\"\n                alt=\"Standing Half-Forward Bend \"\n                title=\"Standing Half-Forward Bend \"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><p>As you exhale, bend forward from your waist while keeping your gaze straight ahead. Rest your hands on your thighs or the floor while you hold this pose for 30 to 60 seconds.<br></p><h2><strong>5 Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings</strong></h2><h2><br></h2><h3><strong>1. Standing Forward Fold Pose</strong></h3><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:6000,height:4000/4sYqYA4oR5ehbMHSRDkg\" \n                alt=\"Standing Forward Fold Pose\"\n                title=\"Standing Forward Fold Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/4sYqYA4oR5ehbMHSRDkg\"\n                alt=\"Standing Forward Fold Pose\"\n                title=\"Standing Forward Fold Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/4sYqYA4oR5ehbMHSRDkg\"\n                alt=\"Standing Forward Fold Pose\"\n                title=\"Standing Forward Fold Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><p>From Standing Half-Forward Fold, allow your body to sink deeper into the stretch by letting your chest relax on your thighs and extending your arms down onto the mat. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.</p><p>This stretch lengthens the muscles along the backsides of your legs and provides relief for lower back pain. Even though it’s a standing posture, Standing Forward Fold is incredibly relaxing and effective in calming your mind. </p><p></p><h3><strong>2. Downward Facing Dog Pose</strong></h3><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:6000,height:4000/vFYqqxJNTCcv4HksemAh\" \n                alt=\"Downward Facing Dog Pose\"\n                title=\"Downward Facing Dog Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/vFYqqxJNTCcv4HksemAh\"\n                alt=\"Downward Facing Dog Pose\"\n                title=\"Downward Facing Dog Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/vFYqqxJNTCcv4HksemAh\"\n                alt=\"Downward Facing Dog Pose\"\n                title=\"Downward Facing Dog Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><p>You can transition from Standing Forward Fold into Downward Facing dog by bending your knees, placing your palms firmly on your mat, and walking your feet backward. Keep your hips lifted so that your body resembles an inverted “V” shape. Press down through your heels and your hands so that you’re giving your hamstrings a deep stretch. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.</p><p>Downward Facing Dog activates your legs while stretching your glutes, hamstrings and calves. It also helps relieve lower back pain and builds strength in your shoulders.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>3. Triangle Pose</strong></h3>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:6000,height:4000/u6K4sHQpQsubD0EYzQty\" \n                alt=\"Triangle Pose\"\n                title=\"Triangle Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/u6K4sHQpQsubD0EYzQty\"\n                alt=\"Triangle Pose\"\n                title=\"Triangle Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/u6K4sHQpQsubD0EYzQty\"\n                alt=\"Triangle Pose\"\n                title=\"Triangle Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <h4><strong> </strong></h4><p>From Downward Facing Dog bend your right knee and bring your right foot up between your hands. Plant your feet and lift your body up, extending both arms out to your sides. Pivot your left foot so that it rests parallel with the edge of your mat. Balance your weight between your feet, keeping your legs engaged but with a soft bend in your knees. On your next exhale, hinge at your waist, bending to place your right hand on your right foot, ankle, or floor. Slowly rotate your torso and extend your back arm until both of your arms are positioned in a straight line. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side.</p><p>Triangle pose lengthens your hamstrings as well as the muscles along your entire side-body. This position also helps stretch and realign your pelvic muscles.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>4. Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose</strong></h3><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:6000,height:4000/5JexdA25RKGMJU5YEk9w\" \n                alt=\"Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\"\n                title=\"Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/5JexdA25RKGMJU5YEk9w\"\n                alt=\"Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\"\n                title=\"Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/5JexdA25RKGMJU5YEk9w\"\n                alt=\"Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\"\n                title=\"Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><p>Transition by moving back to the top of your mat and standing in Mountain pose. Relax here for a moment while you find your balance. Gently shift your weight to your left foot and raise your right knee from the ground. With your first two right fingers, reach for the big toe of your right leg. As you inhale, slowly extend your right leg in front of you while maintaining a straight spine and open chest. Hold this pose for five breaths, and on your next inhalation, open your right leg to your right side and hold it there for another five breaths. To return to your original position, inhale and slowly bring your right leg back to the center and lower it to the ground as you exhale. Repeat on your left leg.</p><p>Hand-To-Big-Toe not only stretches and lengthens your hamstrings, but it also realigns your pelvis and improves your balance and posture.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>5. Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose</strong></h3><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:6000,height:3055/IhGdG6wSlCjS1OSL8EMO\" \n                alt=\"Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\"\n                title=\"Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:3055/IhGdG6wSlCjS1OSL8EMO\"\n                alt=\"Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\"\n                title=\"Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:3055/IhGdG6wSlCjS1OSL8EMO\"\n                alt=\"Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\"\n                title=\"Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><p>Turn at the top of your mat and step your legs wide for Wide-Angle Forward Fold. Engage your quads while keeping your knees soft. Bend forward from your waist and rest the crown of your head on the floor. If you’re feeling stiff and unable to touch your head to the floor, try bending far enough to rest your forearms or hands on the floor. Breathe deeply into this pose and hold for 30-60 seconds.</p><p>Wide-Angle Forward Fold relieves lower back pain while stretching your hamstrings and the sides of your legs. This pose also provides a deep hip stretch.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>More Advanced Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings</strong></h3><p>Ready to elevate your practice to a new level? Once you’ve begun the process of loosening your hamstrings with the above poses, try challenging yourself a little further with some of these more advanced poses:</p><p> </p><h4><strong>1. One-Legged Side Plank Pose </strong></h4><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:7008,height:4672/Yx4E6XpGTg3xXKy8KrnX\" \n                alt=\"One-Legged Side Plank Pose \"\n                title=\"One-Legged Side Plank Pose \"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:7008,height:4672/Yx4E6XpGTg3xXKy8KrnX\"\n                alt=\"One-Legged Side Plank Pose \"\n                title=\"One-Legged Side Plank Pose \"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:7008,height:4672/Yx4E6XpGTg3xXKy8KrnX\"\n                alt=\"One-Legged Side Plank Pose \"\n                title=\"One-Legged Side Plank Pose \"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><p>Give yourself a deep hamstring stretch while developing strength and balance with this pose. From Plank position, rotate your right arm and body until you are balancing on your left hand the outer edge of your left foot. Bend your right knee, hold your big toe, and straighten your right leg. Repeat on the other side.</p><p> </p><h4><strong>2. Monkey Pose </strong></h4><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:6000,height:3241/q856ZZjR0SZICuKrP2Tg\" \n                alt=\"Monkey Pose\"\n                title=\"Monkey Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:3241/q856ZZjR0SZICuKrP2Tg\"\n                alt=\"Monkey Pose\"\n                title=\"Monkey Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:3241/q856ZZjR0SZICuKrP2Tg\"\n                alt=\"Monkey Pose\"\n                title=\"Monkey Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><p>This pose stretches your hamstrings and activates your inner thighs and glutes  from a seated position. From the Crescent Moon pose, extend one leg in front of you and the other behind you as far as you can, while raising your arms above your head. </p><p> </p><h4><strong>3. Firefly Pose</strong></h4><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:6000,height:4000/JMGKeS4ZQIiEyJj6N6cZ\" \n                alt=\"Firefly Pose\"\n                title=\"Firefly Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/JMGKeS4ZQIiEyJj6N6cZ\"\n                alt=\"Firefly Pose\"\n                title=\"Firefly Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:6000,height:4000/JMGKeS4ZQIiEyJj6N6cZ\"\n                alt=\"Firefly Pose\"\n                title=\"Firefly Pose\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p></p><p>Firefly requires advanced-level abdominal and upper body strength. Planting your hands on your mat, bend your knees and rest your thighs on the backs of your arms. From this position, wrap your legs in front and extend your feet outward.</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"yoga-poses-for-hamstrings","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-poses-for-hamstrings","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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Sitting for hours at a desk can also restrict the muscles along the backsides of your legs, and this kind of tension can cause stiffness and soreness, as well as numerous other issues. \n\\nLeft untreated, overly tight hamstrings can cause injury to your joints — especially your ankles, hips, and your knees. They can also affect your ability to play sports, and the simple act of walking can start to feel stiff and painful.\n\\nSymptoms of Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\nTight hamstrings can lead to further imbalance in the body, manifesting as pain in your lower back and/or knees, a tight sciatica or IT band and pelvic problems. You may feel pain in one or both sides of your hips, and your stride may be uneven — which in turn affects your whole body.\\nIf you’re suffering from these kinds of symptoms, you can help relax your hamstring muscles and realign your body by practicing yoga. In fact, yoga for your hamstrings not only helps relieve some of that tension, but it also builds strength, improves mobility, and lowers inflammation.\n\\n\\nHow to Practice Yoga for Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\nYou can relax and lengthen your hamstring muscles by practicing a few simple moves every day. You won’t see immediate changes overnight, but if you perform poses that stretch your hamstrings, glutes, calves, and connective tissue on a regular basis, you’ll find relief from pain and a better sense of balance throughout your body.\n\\nIt’s important to always warm up before practicing yoga to avoid injury and to allow for a deeper stretch. Avoid pushing yourself too deeply into a pose, and if you’re just starting out pay attention to how your body feels and remember to take it slowly. \n\\nDaily Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\nTry practicing this warm up and asana sequence on a regular basis to relax your hamstrings. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can take your practice to the next level with even deeper postures for tight hamstrings.\n\\nWarm up Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\n1. Mountain Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nStart by warming up at the top of your mat, inhaling and standing tall in Mountain pose. Feel your hamstrings, calves, glutes, and quads energize as you stand rooted and firm on your mat.\\n\\n2. Standing Half-Forward Bend \\n\\n\\n\\nAs you exhale, bend forward from your waist while keeping your gaze straight ahead. Rest your hands on your thighs or the floor while you hold this pose for 30 to 60 seconds.\n\\n5 Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings\\n\n\\n1. Standing Forward Fold Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nFrom Standing Half-Forward Fold, allow your body to sink deeper into the stretch by letting your chest relax on your thighs and extending your arms down onto the mat. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\nThis stretch lengthens the muscles along the backsides of your legs and provides relief for lower back pain. Even though it’s a standing posture, Standing Forward Fold is incredibly relaxing and effective in calming your mind. \\n\\n2. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nYou can transition from Standing Forward Fold into Downward Facing dog by bending your knees, placing your palms firmly on your mat, and walking your feet backward. Keep your hips lifted so that your body resembles an inverted “V” shape. Press down through your heels and your hands so that you’re giving your hamstrings a deep stretch. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\nDownward Facing Dog activates your legs while stretching your glutes, hamstrings and calves. It also helps relieve lower back pain and builds strength in your shoulders.\\n \\n3. Triangle Pose\\n\\n \\nFrom Downward Facing Dog bend your right knee and bring your right foot up between your hands. Plant your feet and lift your body up, extending both arms out to your sides. Pivot your left foot so that it rests parallel with the edge of your mat. Balance your weight between your feet, keeping your legs engaged but with a soft bend in your knees. On your next exhale, hinge at your waist, bending to place your right hand on your right foot, ankle, or floor. Slowly rotate your torso and extend your back arm until both of your arms are positioned in a straight line. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side.\\nTriangle pose lengthens your hamstrings as well as the muscles along your entire side-body. This position also helps stretch and realign your pelvic muscles.\\n \\n4. Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nTransition by moving back to the top of your mat and standing in Mountain pose. Relax here for a moment while you find your balance. Gently shift your weight to your left foot and raise your right knee from the ground. With your first two right fingers, reach for the big toe of your right leg. As you inhale, slowly extend your right leg in front of you while maintaining a straight spine and open chest. Hold this pose for five breaths, and on your next inhalation, open your right leg to your right side and hold it there for another five breaths. To return to your original position, inhale and slowly bring your right leg back to the center and lower it to the ground as you exhale. Repeat on your left leg.\\nHand-To-Big-Toe not only stretches and lengthens your hamstrings, but it also realigns your pelvis and improves your balance and posture.\\n \\n5. Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nTurn at the top of your mat and step your legs wide for Wide-Angle Forward Fold. Engage your quads while keeping your knees soft. Bend forward from your waist and rest the crown of your head on the floor. If you’re feeling stiff and unable to touch your head to the floor, try bending far enough to rest your forearms or hands on the floor. Breathe deeply into this pose and hold for 30-60 seconds.\\nWide-Angle Forward Fold relieves lower back pain while stretching your hamstrings and the sides of your legs. This pose also provides a deep hip stretch.\\n \\nMore Advanced Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings\\nReady to elevate your practice to a new level? Once you’ve begun the process of loosening your hamstrings with the above poses, try challenging yourself a little further with some of these more advanced poses:\\n \\n1. One-Legged Side Plank Pose \\n\\n\\n\\nGive yourself a deep hamstring stretch while developing strength and balance with this pose. From Plank position, rotate your right arm and body until you are balancing on your left hand the outer edge of your left foot. Bend your right knee, hold your big toe, and straighten your right leg. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2. Monkey Pose \\n\\n\\n\\nThis pose stretches your hamstrings and activates your inner thighs and glutes  from a seated position. From the Crescent Moon pose, extend one leg in front of you and the other behind you as far as you can, while raising your arms above your head. \\n \\n3. Firefly Pose\\n\\n\\n\\nFirefly requires advanced-level abdominal and upper body strength. Planting your hands on your mat, bend your knees and rest your thighs on the backs of your arms. From this position, wrap your legs in front and extend your feet outward.","html":"<p>You don’t have to be a runner, skier, cyclist, dancer, or a climber to know the feeling of tight hamstrings. Sitting for hours at a desk can also restrict the muscles along the backsides of your legs, and this kind of tension can cause stiffness and soreness, as well as numerous other issues. <br></p><p>Left untreated, overly tight hamstrings can cause injury to your joints — especially your ankles, hips, and your knees. They can also affect your ability to play sports, and the simple act of walking can start to feel stiff and painful.<br></p><h2><strong>Symptoms of Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h2><p>Tight hamstrings can lead to further imbalance in the body, manifesting as pain in your lower back and/or knees, a tight sciatica or IT band and pelvic problems. You may feel pain in one or both sides of your hips, and your stride may be uneven — which in turn affects your whole body.</p><p>If you’re suffering from these kinds of symptoms, you can help relax your hamstring muscles and realign your body by practicing yoga. In fact, yoga for your hamstrings not only helps relieve some of that tension, but it also builds strength, improves mobility, and lowers inflammation.<br></p><p></p><h2><strong>How to Practice Yoga for Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h2><p>You can relax and lengthen your hamstring muscles by practicing a few simple moves every day. You won’t see immediate changes overnight, but if you perform poses that stretch your hamstrings, glutes, calves, and connective tissue on a regular basis, you’ll find relief from pain and a better sense of balance throughout your body.<br></p><p>It’s important to always warm up before practicing yoga to avoid injury and to allow for a deeper stretch. Avoid pushing yourself too deeply into a pose, and if you’re just starting out pay attention to how your body feels and remember to take it slowly. <br></p><h3><strong>Daily Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h3><p>Try practicing this warm up and asana sequence on a regular basis to relax your hamstrings. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can take your practice to the next level with even deeper postures for tight hamstrings.<br></p><h3><strong>Warm up Yoga Sequence for Tight Hamstrings</strong><br></h3><h4><strong>1. Mountain Pose</strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:7008,height:4672/urtde5VZTUBl7ZLi67iy\" alt=\"Mountain Pose\" title=\"moutain.jpg\" width=\"7008\" height=\"4672\" /><p></p><p>Start by warming up at the top of your mat, inhaling and standing tall in Mountain pose. Feel your hamstrings, calves, glutes, and quads energize as you stand rooted and firm on your mat.</p><p></p><h4><strong>2. Standing Half-Forward Bend </strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:3504,height:2336/ZD3WiO8sTJSMEWyMc2q1\" alt=\"Standing Half-Forward Bend \" title=\"Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog).jpg\" width=\"3504\" height=\"2336\" /><p></p><p>As you exhale, bend forward from your waist while keeping your gaze straight ahead. Rest your hands on your thighs or the floor while you hold this pose for 30 to 60 seconds.<br></p><h2><strong>5 Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings</strong></h2><h2><br></h2><h3><strong>1. Standing Forward Fold Pose</strong></h3><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/4sYqYA4oR5ehbMHSRDkg\" alt=\"Standing Forward Fold Pose\" title=\"1. Standing Forward Fold.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><p></p><p>From Standing Half-Forward Fold, allow your body to sink deeper into the stretch by letting your chest relax on your thighs and extending your arms down onto the mat. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.</p><p>This stretch lengthens the muscles along the backsides of your legs and provides relief for lower back pain. Even though it’s a standing posture, Standing Forward Fold is incredibly relaxing and effective in calming your mind. </p><p></p><h3><strong>2. Downward Facing Dog Pose</strong></h3><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/vFYqqxJNTCcv4HksemAh\" alt=\"Downward Facing Dog Pose\" title=\"2. Down Facing Dog.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><p></p><p>You can transition from Standing Forward Fold into Downward Facing dog by bending your knees, placing your palms firmly on your mat, and walking your feet backward. Keep your hips lifted so that your body resembles an inverted “V” shape. Press down through your heels and your hands so that you’re giving your hamstrings a deep stretch. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.</p><p>Downward Facing Dog activates your legs while stretching your glutes, hamstrings and calves. It also helps relieve lower back pain and builds strength in your shoulders.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>3. Triangle Pose</strong></h3><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/u6K4sHQpQsubD0EYzQty\" alt=\"Triangle Pose\" title=\"3. Triange Pose.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><h4><strong> </strong></h4><p>From Downward Facing Dog bend your right knee and bring your right foot up between your hands. Plant your feet and lift your body up, extending both arms out to your sides. Pivot your left foot so that it rests parallel with the edge of your mat. Balance your weight between your feet, keeping your legs engaged but with a soft bend in your knees. On your next exhale, hinge at your waist, bending to place your right hand on your right foot, ankle, or floor. Slowly rotate your torso and extend your back arm until both of your arms are positioned in a straight line. Hold for several breaths and repeat on the other side.</p><p>Triangle pose lengthens your hamstrings as well as the muscles along your entire side-body. This position also helps stretch and realign your pelvic muscles.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>4. Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose</strong></h3><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/5JexdA25RKGMJU5YEk9w\" alt=\"Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose\" title=\"4. Hand to Big Toe.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><p></p><p>Transition by moving back to the top of your mat and standing in Mountain pose. Relax here for a moment while you find your balance. Gently shift your weight to your left foot and raise your right knee from the ground. With your first two right fingers, reach for the big toe of your right leg. As you inhale, slowly extend your right leg in front of you while maintaining a straight spine and open chest. Hold this pose for five breaths, and on your next inhalation, open your right leg to your right side and hold it there for another five breaths. To return to your original position, inhale and slowly bring your right leg back to the center and lower it to the ground as you exhale. Repeat on your left leg.</p><p>Hand-To-Big-Toe not only stretches and lengthens your hamstrings, but it also realigns your pelvis and improves your balance and posture.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>5. Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose</strong></h3><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:3055/IhGdG6wSlCjS1OSL8EMO\" alt=\"Wide-Angle Forward Fold Pose\" title=\"5. Wide Angled Forward Fold.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"3055\" /><p></p><p>Turn at the top of your mat and step your legs wide for Wide-Angle Forward Fold. Engage your quads while keeping your knees soft. Bend forward from your waist and rest the crown of your head on the floor. If you’re feeling stiff and unable to touch your head to the floor, try bending far enough to rest your forearms or hands on the floor. Breathe deeply into this pose and hold for 30-60 seconds.</p><p>Wide-Angle Forward Fold relieves lower back pain while stretching your hamstrings and the sides of your legs. This pose also provides a deep hip stretch.</p><p> </p><h3><strong>More Advanced Yoga Poses for Tight Hamstrings</strong></h3><p>Ready to elevate your practice to a new level? Once you’ve begun the process of loosening your hamstrings with the above poses, try challenging yourself a little further with some of these more advanced poses:</p><p> </p><h4><strong>1. One-Legged Side Plank Pose </strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:7008,height:4672/Yx4E6XpGTg3xXKy8KrnX\" alt=\"One-Legged Side Plank Pose \" title=\"6. One Legged Side Plank Pose.jpg\" width=\"7008\" height=\"4672\" /><p></p><p>Give yourself a deep hamstring stretch while developing strength and balance with this pose. From Plank position, rotate your right arm and body until you are balancing on your left hand the outer edge of your left foot. Bend your right knee, hold your big toe, and straighten your right leg. Repeat on the other side.</p><p> </p><h4><strong>2. Monkey Pose </strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:3241/q856ZZjR0SZICuKrP2Tg\" alt=\"Monkey Pose\" title=\"7. Monkey Pose.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"3241\" /><p></p><p>This pose stretches your hamstrings and activates your inner thighs and glutes  from a seated position. From the Crescent Moon pose, extend one leg in front of you and the other behind you as far as you can, while raising your arms above your head. </p><p> </p><h4><strong>3. Firefly Pose</strong></h4><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphassets.com/resize=width:6000,height:4000/JMGKeS4ZQIiEyJj6N6cZ\" alt=\"Firefly Pose\" title=\"8. Firefly Pose.JPG\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" /><p></p><p>Firefly requires advanced-level abdominal and upper body strength. Planting your hands on your mat, bend your knees and rest your thighs on the backs of your arms. From this position, wrap your legs in front and extend your feet outward.</p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}