Hands to Feet - Pada-Hasthasana

Unlike traditional “touch-your-toes” hamstring-stretch taught in PE class, hands-to-feet pose the whole body. This is perfect example of how a pose can both work to strengthen and stretch your body. As you pull with your arms to increase flexibility, your spine, hips and legs are stretched in what Bikram calls a “360 degree stretching angle.” Completion of this pose after half-moon and backward-bending, means that the spine has been stretched in four directions, the circulatory and nervous systems have been invigorated to prepare the body for class.

Strengthens

•           Biceps
•           Deltoids
•           Quadriceps
•           Calves
•           Rectus Abdominis
•           Trapezius muscles

Stretches

•           Hamstrings
•           Spine
•           Sciatic nerve
•           Tendons and ligaments of the legs
•           Shoulders

Stimulates

•           Pineal and pituitary glands
•           Colon
•           Pancreas
•           Kidneys

Benefits

•           Firms and trims waistline, hips, abdomen, buttocks and thighs
•            Good for frozen shoulder
•           Relieves lower back pain
•           Good for abdominal obesity
•           Greatly enhances concentration
•           Helps with sciatic problems
•           Improves circulation to the brain and legs