Forward BendsBeginner

Seated Forward Bend

Paschimottanasana

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) offers a classic, full-length stretch along the back body while calming the nervous system.

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How to Perform

  1. 1

    Sit in Dandasana with legs together and toes flexed toward the shins.

  2. 2

    Inhale, reach arms forward to hold feet, ankles, or a strap while lengthening spine.

  3. 3

    Exhale to hinge from hips, drawing belly and ribs toward thighs.

  4. 4

    Relax shoulders as elbows widen, allowing forehead then chin to approach the shins.

  5. 5

    Maintain steady breathing for 5–10 breaths, then rise slowly on an inhale.

Benefits

  • Stretches the entire posterior chain—from calves and hamstrings to spine.
  • Massages abdominal organs and supports digestion and elimination.
  • Soothes the nervous system and helps relieve fatigue or mild anxiety.

Alignment Cues

  • Kneecaps lift to activate quadriceps.
  • Shoulders stay away from ears even as arms reach.
  • Spine lengthens from sacrum to crown without forcing.
  • Weight stays evenly distributed across sit bones.

Common Mistakes

No common mistakes listed.

Contraindications

  • Acute low back injury
  • Pregnancy after first trimester without props

Recommended Props

Strap around feetBolster over legsBlanket under hips