"Standing Forward Fold is a great stretch for your hips, hamstrings, and calves — opening the back of your body and slowly releasing tension," said yoga instructor Dominique Scott, RYT-200. "Since your hamstrings are such a big part of Downward Dog, this pose is a great preceding step to warm up your body." This bent-leg variation is good for anyone whose hamstrings and calves are particularly tight.
- Stand with your feet hips-width distance apart.
- Slowly bend from your hips, keeping your knees slightly bent as you fold toward your thighs. Keep your spine as straight as possible, and try not to hunch at your lower back.
- Hold your opposite elbows, or rest your hands on the floor or your knees or shins.
- Enjoy this stretch for five breaths.