Day 10: Standing Separate Leg Stretching

Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Paschimotthanasana (say that 3 times fast!), Standing Separate Leg Stretching

This posture is an amazing stretch for your entire body “bones to skin, inside out.” To achieve your maximum stretch, it is very important that you learn to properly lock your knees before you add the pull. If you are unable to get your legs straight, we recommend starting with your hands on the floor in front of you, and first work to straighten your legs. In our yoga room, we are lucky to have side mirrors — so every now and then, sneak a peak in the side mirror! Eventually, your legs should be completely straight (ankles, knees, hips stacked) and your thighs contracted and abdominal muscles pulled in and up. Once you have that strength and alignment in your legs, you can really start to stretch your spine. One day your spine can be perfectly straight, with your head on the floor. But remember, the goal is not necessarily to touch your head to the floor. The goal is to create space in your body wherever you need it most!

Benefits of Standing Separate Leg Stretching include:

• Increases circulation to the brain and adrenal glands

• Treats and prevents sciatica

• Helps the functioning of most of the internal abdominal organs, especially the small and large intestines

• Improves the muscle tone and flexibility of thighs and calves, the pelvis, ankles, and hip joints

• Increases the flexibility of the last five vertebra of the spine

• Calms the nervous system

• Helps to reduce abdominal obesity

• Helps with diabetes and hyperacidity

• Releases the lower back and hips.

• Exercises the muscular, adrenal, and reproductive systems