My Fit Yogi

Being a tree, amongst the trees! Trying not to fall out of the pose, in the Fall 🍁😉🙏

It’s interesting how different a seated forward fold can feel when you change it to a reclined or supine (on your back) version since you now have to resist gravity and contract different muscles to get there (abdominals, hip flexors). Try a regular seated forward fold, pause, then try this version, pause and go back back to the seated version. Notice how different it now feels back in seated…and often it’s a deeper expression of the pose. Hold each variation for roughly five deep, slow breaths…and see what happens.

There are many versions of twists that can occur from different body positions, such as standing, seated, or lying down (sometimes referred to a reclined). This variation doesn’t require balance, and can be a bit more relaxed (less muscle work) since the body is supported by the ground. If a full twist with legs stacked and shoulders down isn’t available yet, use props as needed. Blocks could be placed under the bottom knee, between the knees, or a blanket or towel can be placed under the shoulder or even the neck. I often do this variation towards the end of practice as a way of prepping for a final resting pose. Breathing should be slow and even, and as always, through the nose only, if possible.