During the 2020 pandemic shutdown, one of the activities I missed most was my weekly yoga class. Even though I’ve been taking gentle yoga off and on for at least 15 years, I’m still very much a beginner. I need constant reminders to breathe and I need an instructor to push me ever so slightly out of my comfort zone.
So with the forced shutdown of my yoga studio, I turned to You Tube to find a gentle yoga practice, hoping to pick up where my studio classes left off. After a few misses, I found Yoga with Adriene. I connected with Adriene through the screen and felt energized to roll out the mat and join her each morning for a 30-minute class.
Let Adriene’s Video Guide You Through a Standing Forward Bend
Today I want to share one of her short videos for a beginner’s standing forward bend (uttanasana), starting with mountain pose. The video is a bit dated, but the pose still works its magic. It only takes about five minutes to do and is a great stretch for your back and hamstrings and also helps with stress and anxiety. Give it a try and I think you’ll be surprised how much better you feel!
Since I spend lots of time hunched over a computer — I’ve been setting a timer for 25 minute work blocks and then five-minute breaks. I use that five minutes to get up and move around, use a resistance band or do a yoga pose. This is one of my favorites because it’s quick and easy and I can always feel the benefits right away.
Some Benefits of Standing Forward Bend Pose
- Stretches the hips, hamstrings and calves
- Strengthens the thighs and knees
- Keeps your spine strong and flexible
- Reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue
- Calms the mind
- Relieves tension in the spine, neck and back
- Activates the abdominal muscles
Let me know in comments if you give this a try and if it helps. Namaste!
I love stretching throughout the day, Lucie. Forward bend pose is one of my favorites.
Hi Kara,
So nice to hear from you! Stretching is definitely good — especially when we’re working on computers all day.