Straddle

Hold Time

3-10 minutes

Benefits

• Deep groin and hip stretch
• Stretches hamstrings and back of legs
• Gentle opening to inner knees

Entering and Exiting

Enter: Come to seated and spread your legs apart as much as possible. Fold forward down the center, resting your weight into your hands or forearms.

Exit: Slowly reverse out, using your hands to "walk" back up to seated position.

Modifications

• Rest your chest on a bolster or set of blocks
• Sit up on a blanket or cushion to elevate your hips
• Keep your knees bent if that feels better, or use a bolster under knees if you're extra tight
• Do not fold forward, but instead stay upright and feel the stretch there
• Rest your weight on your stomach with your hands out to the sides

Contraindications

• If you have knee issues, engage your quadriceps and keep feet flexed and toes pointed straight up

Counter Poses

• Windshield wiper your knees
• Shavasana
• Tabletop
• Child's Pose