Seated One Leg Forward Bend: How-to, Tips, Benefits

In our beginner yoga pose series, Michael Taylor from Strala Yoga in New York City, demonstrates and gives us the scoop on Seated One Leg Forward Bend.

How-to: Sit with your knees close to your chest, and extend one leg straight out. Let the other knee fall to the side, and connect the bottom of your foot with the thigh of your straight leg. Keep hips square to the front, and gently lean forward over your extended leg.

Tips: Don’t rush to lean over your extended leg. Use your breath to come forward, lead with your belly and lower ribs, and keep the front of your body long and open. For a good twist, try rolling your ribs and shoulder that are on the same side as your extended leg slightly higher than your ribs and shoulder on the opposite side.

Benefits: Opens up the backs of your legs.

Michael Taylor is a yoga guide at Strala Yoga in New York City. (Michael prefers "guide" to "instructor"). He's practiced Eastern movement and healing techniques for more than two decades. He holds a degree in mind-body medicine from Harvard, and studied alternative medicine and psychology at Oxford. Mike is also the CEO of social media company Odyl, climbs a few mountains in his spare time, and is the husband of yoga master Tara Stiles.