A beautiful pose to open the lower back, hamstrings and hips. Watch the tutorial and then try the classes below that bring this yummy stretch into the context of a complete sequence.
Here are some classes featuring Head-to-Knee Forward Bend.
By Ally Hamilton on Feb 27, 2024
We get to the heat-building early and once we're warm we use the heat to deeply open the hips and hamstrings. Have no fear because your core is also going to get attention, along with your shoulders so we can play with twisty arm balances like koundinyasana 1 and dwi pada if you're feeling frisky. Two blocks and an open mind are all you need! Enjoy, yogis.
By Ally Hamilton on Dec 30, 2023
If you spend a lot of time at your desk and/or if you've tweaked your lower back, this is a very simple, very gentle session that is all about the essentials: your spinal health, movements that will relieve a sore low back, open your hip flexors if you do a lot of sitting at a desk, release your wrists and forearms, and give your neck, chest, shoulders, hips and hamstrings a gentle stretch. Intended as a break during your day and not a full practice, or for a little gentle stretching before bed, this session will help the most if you focus on deep breathing throughout.
By Kate Duyn on Dec 9, 2023
Woodchopper meets volleyball player. Intrigued? Good! We're going to play with slow and steady fire today. Sometimes we resist resistance, but when you dive right into the center of it, you find the gift of strength you might not have known you had. There's a lot of deep core work and nice hip-opening waiting for you, too.
By Lauren Peterson on Aug 5, 2023
This slow, deep practice helps stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, aiding in sleep, digestion and stress relief. Please have a bolster on hand. You can use a firm pillow or a blanket rolled up like a sleeping bag. You might also use 1-3 blocks, depending on your flexibility. Enjoy some time to slow down and tune in, your body will thank you!
By Ally Hamilton on Jul 16, 2023
A practice for days when your head is spinning or you feel overwhelmed or anxious. We begin with grounding techniques and alternate nostril breathing. Pranayama is emphasized throughout the practice along with longer holds, and deep hip, hamstring and shoulder opening. If you want to feel both grounded in your heart and open in your body, this is for you.
By Ally Hamilton on Apr 15, 2023
Friends, I shot this class on the last day of my retreat to Lefkada, Greece! It was an impromptu shoot on my phone and there's ambient noise, but I am hoping with all my heart that the magic of this place travels through the airwaves to meet you right where you are! I am still buzzing from this retreat, from this place, and from those of you who traveled across the globe to practice with me and share this adventure! Cannot WAIT for the next one! This is an all-levels 16-minute re-centering quickie perfect for any time you feel like your thoughts are racing and you need some conscious breathing, opening and grounding! We use sensation to get centered, and then encourage nice spinal energizing and mobility with seated cat-cow variations, eagle arms and extra shoulder, chest and upper back love, seated twists, forward folds, hip and hamstring releasing and a fair amount of breath-work! I hope whatever time of day you do this, you re-enter your space with more inspiration, motivation and a touch of Lefkada in your heart!
By Angela Kukhahn on Dec 1, 2022
A fun, creative flow that targets deep opening in the shoulders, upper back, chest, hips and hamstrings! Grab two blocks, breathe deeply and get ready to open up, yogis!
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 12, 2022
If you're looking for a practice to get grounded and open your body deeply, this is it. Even if you practice daily, there are going to be times when you feel tight, or have less energy or have to coax yourself to get on your mat. This is my go-to kind of practice for days like that when I really want to open my hips, shoulders and hamstrings, get my breath going and also free up my energy! It's a great kind of practice when you're dealing with anxiety and need to move to burn it off, but maybe don't have your maximum energy level available. We sweat, move and breathe our way into an open body and a quiet mind. And you may see some arms popping into frame here and there because this is the Wild Card Monday class which I teach over zoom and in person while I film for y'all! I think these classes have a little extra community vibe which is kind of magical. So welcome to the Practice Garden, so glad you're here!
By Ekaette Ekong on Jun 23, 2022
This is a mixed-level grounding hatha class where we focus on breath and sensation to quiet the mind, and make shapes mindfully to open the body. Great for days when you're feeling a bit anxious or overwhelmed. Detailed cues will give your mind plenty to focus on, and smart sequencing will leave you feeling good.
By Ally Hamilton on May 10, 2022
Perfect for anytime you want to get grounded, calm your nervous system and stretch deeply.
Ally Hamilton
