Open the hamstrings on your back in reclining big toe pose. Have a strap handy if the hamstrings are tight. Reclining poses are beneficial because we can hold them longer, and we're taking gravity out of the mix so we can more easily control the depth of the stretch.
Here are some classes featuring Reclining Big Toe Pose.
By Lauren Peterson on Apr 15, 2024
We start on our backs with some hamstring warm ups and core work. We continue the hamstring stretches, adding inner groins and IT Band. Next we have some twists and quad stretches before getting on our feet for standing poses and flow. We finish with backbends and inversions. An all around stretchy string class. Enjoy!
By Lauren Peterson on Jan 7, 2024
This practice starts slowly on our backs with a combination of stretches for the hamstrings, IT Band and core strengtheners. We transition to our hands and feet with sun salutations, standing poses and balancing poses, including dancer's pose and half moon pose. We finish practice with backbends and an inversion before savasana. Enjoy!
By Dhaujee Rose on Jul 8, 2023
Want something a little sassy and a little sweet with a nice sweat on the side? Look no further! Just grab a strap and a couple of blocks and let's do this!
By Brent Laffoon on Mar 10, 2022
Sometimes you just need to take it easy. This is a practice for those times. A gentle, but deep exploration of the spine, shoulders, hamstrings, hips and breath. Enjoy!
By Jamie Monte on Feb 7, 2022
A yin practice to revitalize. Winter-inspired. In this practice, we will work with the superficial back line of fascia where the kidney and urinary bladder meridians flow. Backbends increase energy and energy reserves. Forward bends help restore energetic reserves, calm the fear response and other habitual reactions. For this practice, you will need a blanket, bolster, strap, 2 blocks, and a wall. Peak poses - Toe squat, reclined hand to big toe pose.
By Leslie Kazadi on Apr 12, 2021
Got a stiff back from a long hike or a Netflix binge? Get some relief with undulating spinal movements in all directions of travel. From heel to head, we take it outside the linear box and keep it moving with lots of variations on the theme of releasing backline tension. We'll sneak in some core support because nothing says back relief like abs in the game. We finish up with my favorite "clock" movements before settling into a timeless stillness where residual tension unwinds.
By Ally Hamilton on Nov 10, 2020
Perfect for days when you're short on time and high on energy, or when you're looking for a heat-building practice before something more yin and chill. We start with cat-cows and head into Series A and Series C with some nice shoulder, chest and heart-opening mixed in and some time in skandasana to say hello to your warming hips and hamstrings. We take it into 6-minute abs and follow that with reclined hip and hamstring opening. You'll connect to your breath, quiet your mind and open every major muscle group in half an hour, and that's good stuff! Enjoy, yogis :)
By Leslie Kazadi on Jul 11, 2020
Most students LOVE Reclining Big Toe pose in all its variations. Using 2 straps for support can double your pleasure... but setting up two straps doesn't tend to double your fun. The reward is that you can relax and be in the poses for much longer with greater ease. Two straps stabilize the pelvis and low back and release grippy groins. It also shifts the sensations, as you get into those hard-to-reach places that your body tends to avoid releasing. This tutorial gives you a slightly less complicated version - don't tell the Iyengars?! - to KISS so you spend less time thinking about it and more time experiencing it. As with anything, take as many details as you need and come back for more as you learn to love the support that two straps gives you.
By Leslie Kazadi on Jun 13, 2020
What if your mat were your only prop? Or you didn't have a mat but you had a blanket? Adapting to what is means being curious and playful and coming up with new ways of being and doing. Not so easy if you are feeling stressed! But doing anything in a novel way can give us a sense of curiosity and empowerment. It takes us from focusing on what we don't have to exploring what is possible with what we do have. It turns out that using a mat as a prop gives you new options for familiar poses... and invites you to make it up as you go along... because, really, that's what we are always doing anyway :)
By Leslie Kazadi on Apr 1, 2020
Sometimes we all feel a little stuck - at home, on the road or in a rut. I find doing something familiar in a new way gets me motivated and moving. Familiar is soothing. New is inspiring. This session guides you through familiar poses, like bridge, with some different variations and props to keep it interesting... and to keep you moving! Use a couple of pillows and a towel to get cozy and relaxed at the end of this simple strengthening session.
Ally Hamilton
