The wide legged forward bend is a great pose for releasing tension in your shoulders and also giving your inner thighs a gentle stretch.

To do this pose, start in a standing position, with your legs about hip width apart. Step wider, until you have roughly the length of one of your legs between your feet. Be sure you’re balancing your weight equally on both feet.

Clasp your hands behind your back and slowly lift your hands toward the ceiling. Try to keep your shoulders relaxed; don’t let them creep up next to your ears.

Breathe in this position for several seconds, then start to bend forward, letting gravity pull your arms over your head and toward the ground. Breathe deeply, in and out, for about 30 seconds. When you’re ready to come out of the pose, bend your knees slightly and engage your core so that you’re lifting with your abdominals.

If at any point this stretch becomes too intense on your shoulders, come back to standing. If it’s too intense on your legs, bring your feet closer together.

WideLeggedForwardBendCSF