One-Legged Forward Fold (+ Straps & Blocks)

One-legged forward fold is a great way to stretch through the hamstring of your extended leg and your back! Before we show you how straps and blocks can help you in this pose, here are our tops tips for this pose in general:

1. Keep your back flat. The main purpose of this pose is to feel a stretch through the back of your extended leg, not to touch your toes or have your chest glued to your thighs. This is where props can really make a difference!

2. Square your shoulders toward the mat. When one shoulder lifts, we have a tendency to lean toward one side rather than keeping our body even on the mat.

3. Flex your extended foot toward you to feel a deeper stretch in your leg and to make this an active pose.

STRAP

If you find that your rounding over to reach your extended foot, use a strap or hand towel to help make the connection! By adding the strap, you will be able to feel a deeper stretch through your leg and back. Bring the strap around the arch of your foot, holding onto each hand with your hands. Adjust the length between your hands and foot as necessary.

BLOCK

Do you have long arms and can't seem to get enough traction to fold forward? Use a block to help add length to your legs and give you hands something to reach around! Place the block at the base of your foot and reach for opposite sides of the block in the forward fold.