Standing forward fold feet over hands

Also known as: Padahastasana, Hand to foot pose.

Technique

From a standing position, step the feet apart about hip width.
Bend at the hips and place your hands under your feet - one at a time - with the palms facing up.
Inhale to lift the chest and lengthen the spine.
Exhale and lower into the fold, taking the head down last.
Gaze toward the tip of the nose. Take 5 breaths.
Inhale and lift up halfway, lengthening the spine, exhale and bring the hands to the hips.
Inhale the rest of the way up to standing.
Exhale back to the starting position.

Press down through the toes, into the hands and pull slightly against this pressure to help deepen the hip crease and create an even stretch through the Hamstrings.
Bend the elbows outward, keeping the shoulders relaxed and allowing the head to lower toward the knees.