It’s a Hammock, No, a Yoga Pose, Wait, It’s Both!
Every time I slip my head into the yoga belt and lean it back, I swear it feels like I’m swaying in a hammock. But then there’s this great sensation in my legs; I’m stretching my hamstrings! It’s restful and rejuvenating, and simultaneously really deep. This is a fantastic pose to do when you feel run down, your low back hurts or you need to feel relaxed and grounded.
The Pose:
Supda Padangusthasana :: Reclining Big Toe Pose
The Props:
Two eight foot belts buckled into loops. (or sub two 6 foot belts buckled together for one eight foot)
The Method:
- Guesstimate the size of your lower belt loop; once buckled, it should be long enough to reach from your foot to your groin.
- Buckle the upper belt shorter, and have it nearby. It can easily be adjusted while in the pose. (My white belt is actually a six footer, but it is maxed to its end and my top leg is beyond vertical).
- While sitting, slip one end of the belt on the ball of your left foot and the other one at the crease of your right thigh.
- Bend your right leg, foot flat on the floor, with your kneecap pointing up towards the sky through the loop.
- Now, straighten your left leg pushing the belt taught with the ball of your foot.
- Lie on your back and grab the other belt.
- Lift your right leg through the loop and place the belt across the ball of your foot.
- Slip the other end around the back of your head, which will float above the ground as if in a hammock, then straighten your leg.
- Adjust the length of the upper belt so the weight of your head keeps it taught and also so your top leg doesn’t have to strain.
- When correctly aligned there is a balance between top leg and head where both are supported and somewhat relaxed.
- Deepen the stretch by pressing into your left foot, which will move your right thigh bone back in the socket.
