Ardha Uttanasana - intense half stretch pose
Try out this Asana with me?, Health Challenge Invite.Strengthens ankles and enhances toe grip
STEPS :
- While in Uttanasana, take a few deep breaths. When you're ready, come up onto your fingertips.
- As you inhale, raise your torso, keeping your spine flat.
- Exhale smoothly as you draw your shoulder blades together. Pay attention to your knees here and try to microbend to avoid locking them.
- Inhale as you lift your head and look forward. Keep your spine aligned through your back and neck (it can help to imagine being pulled forward slightly from your chest).
- Take this opportunity to get in touch with your breathing. Focus on inhaling and exhaling deeply, coordinating each breath with the flow of the movement.
- When you're ready to release from the pose, exhale and return to Uttanasana.
Benefits
- Corrects body alignment and standing posture
- Strengthens ankles and enhances toe grip
- Improves digestive and urinary functions
- Stretches hamstrings and calf muscles.
- Strengthens the back (specifically erector spinal muscles)
- Develops flexibility in the hips and hamstrings.
- Strengthens core muscles.
- Helps to strengthen ankle joints
- Can help to improve overall balance.
- Builds strength in the neck.
- Helps strengthen shoulder stabilizers.
Who Can Do
Consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime.