Forward Bends: Uttanasana and Pascimottanasana: Stretching the Lower Back to Release Tension

Either of these forward bends, if applied appropriately, can help stretch and reduce tension in your lower back and your entire spine. Releasing tension in your lower back and the rest of your spine can often help the health of your spine in general, but you do not want to over do this kind of work. Either of these postures, done in a way that is inappropriate for a practitioner, could create problems for the health of the practitioner's spine. When practicing these postures, if you begin to feel any part of your spine, your neck or your shoulders start to tighten up, it is an indication that you are either going too far or doing something that is not quite right for your current needs.

I think these photos can stand for themselves but one of the things I really like about these photos, again, is that combination of strength with relaxedness. I am working but I am not struggling. That is what you are looking for. I am not going any farther than I can comfortably.








































In this last photo I have separated my feet a little so I can get my face in between my legs and move just a little deeper. Note that in all variations, my arms are working but they are not gripping and my neck and shoulders are nice and relaxed. There is no unwanted tension.