Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold is a seated yoga posture that deeply stretches the legs and spine, while also calming the mind and relieving stress. It is often practiced toward the end of a yoga class, when the body is warm, to prepare the body for even deeper forward bends.

This pose is also sometimes called "Seated Straddle Fold," "Seated Straddle," and "Wide-Legged Seated Forward Bend," among many other variations. However, its Sanskrit name — "Upavistha Konasana" (oo-pah-VEESH-tuh kone-AHS-uh-nuh) — comes from three words:

• "Upavistha" — meaning "seated" or "sitting"
• "Kona" — meaning "angle"
• "Asana" — meaning "pose"

It is a good preparatory pose for other seated forward bends and hip-opening poses, such as Bound Angle/Cobbler's Pose (Baddha Konasana). It is also often practiced as part of a sequence that includes Head-of-Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana) and Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana).

Benefits of Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold

This pose stretches the hamstrings, calves, spine, pelvis, and groins. It also massages and stimulates the kidneys, which helps improve their ability to remove toxins from the body. Additionally, this pose stimulates the abdominal organs, which helps with digestion and metabolism. Folding forward naturally draws the awareness inward, which calms the mind and provides relief from anxiety, fatigue, and mild depression. This pose is also known to be therapeutic for arthritis and sciatica.

Cautions

Those with back injuries should not fold completely forward, but should practice a modified version of the pose (see Modifications & Variations, below). Always work within your own range of limits and abilities. If you have any medical concerns, talk with your doctor before practicing yoga.

Instructions

1. Sit on the edge of a firm blanket with your legs extended in front of you in Staff Pose (Dandasana).
2. Place your hands on the floor behind your body and lean your torso back slightly. Then open your legs as wide as it is comfortable. Press your hands firmly into the floor and gently bring your buttocks forward along the floor, helping to widen the legs even further. Work toward opening your legs to a 90-degree angle (with the pelvis as the apex), or even wider.
3. Keep the tops of your kneecaps and your toes pointing straight up toward the ceiling. Flex your feet and strongly engage your thigh muscles, pressing your legs down toward the floor. Reach out through your heels.
4. With your spine long and straight, begin to walk your hands forward between your legs. Maintain the length of your front torso; do not let your back round. You might only walk your hands an inch or two forward, and that is fine.
5. Continue to increase your forward bend until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, but do not push it too far. If your spine rounds or if you feel any pinching pain, ease up.
6. As you come deeper into the pose, reach your arms to the sides and clasp your big toes by making a loop with your thumbs and first two fingers. Bend your elbows out to the sides. Keep the front of your torso long. Gaze forward and place your chin on the mat.
7. Hold for up to three minutes. Gently walk your hands back toward your body, bringing your torso upright while keeping your spine long. Bend your knees and bring your legs back together in Staff Pose.

Modifications & Variations

Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold is a calming and rejuvenating stretch when practiced correctly. However, that might sound unattainable if your hamstrings are tight! With practice and dedication, though, your hamstrings and spine will lengthen and become more limber. Remember to take it slowly and never push yourself in the pose. Try these changes to find a variation of the pose that works for you:

• If your hamstrings or low back are tight, bend your knees slightly. If you're very stiff, you can place a rolled-up blanket or yoga mat under your knees.
• For a greater challenge, widen the angle between your legs beyond 90 degrees.
• If you are not yet able to bring your torso forward to the floor, rest your torso instead on a bolster or folded blanket placed in front of you between your legs.

Tips

Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold can deeply stretch your legs and spine when practiced in correct alignment. Keep the following information in mind when practicing this pose:

• Make sure the front of your torso stays long. Simply dropping your head down and rounding your spine can injure your back and over-stress your hamstrings. Doing so can also lead to habits of misalignment that can wear you out over time!
• Fold from the hips, not the waist. To learn this movement, place and press your hands directly on your front hip bones. Then hinge forward from that spot.
• Bend your knees slightly if you need to.
• Keep your legs strong and engaged.
• Do not lock your knees.
• Keep your face and your gaze soft.
• Come up from the pose with a flat back. This will help strengthen the back muscles.
• Never force yourself into a forward bend. Only come as far forward as you can while keeping your spine long. It might not be as far as you're used to, but remember, it's more important to keep spinal integrity than to touch your chin to the floor!

Stretch & Fold

Practicing Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold on a regular basis can keep your spine and hamstrings flexible, and your mind serene and peaceful. It can also be a good way to make yourself aware of your own resistance in the pose. When you feel stiff and tight, it can be easy to want to force your way into the pose. Instead, let yourself be calmly aware of the pose you are currently in, not the pose you wish you were in. Breathe smoothly and evenly. Let your thoughts turn inward and settle into the moment. Resistance and stiffness will gently fade away.