Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher Kathy Cook demonstrate a Reclining Hand to Big Toe Pose

Iyengar Yoga for Hamstrings

Hamstrings strengthening, mobility, and flexibility

The focus in this class is on the hamstrings. The hamstrings are a group of muscles at the back of the legs that run from the pelvis to the back of the knee. As we age this tissue can harden and shorten which can lead to a plethora of ailments. On the other hand, those that are overly flexible must train the muscles that attach to the sitting bone and at the inner knee to provide proper support by practicing resistance which will prevent overstretching and long-term injury.

We will practice various ranges of movement that will help you to lengthen the hamstrings, the connective tissue, and the other muscles that must be used to bring overall tone, length, and mobility. Tight hamstrings pull the pelvis down, which is often the root cause for various types of lower back pain.

As we age, remaining flexible is crucial for our mobility as well as our ability to maintain our daily functions. When mobility is impaired, the internal systems of the body are affected negatively, therefore we must condition and lengthen our muscles to promote longevity.

This sequence includes:

Sukhasana ( Easy Pose )

Dandasana ( Staff Pose )

Supta Padangusthasana I ( Reclining Hand to Big Toe Pose )

Pawanmuktanasana ( Gas Release Pose )

Urdhva Prasarita Padasana ( Upward Extended Feet Pose )

Prasarita Padottanasana ( Wide Legged Forward Bend )

Tadasana ( Mountain Pose )

Padangusthasana I ( Hand to Big Toe Pose )

Parsvottanasana ( Intense Side Stretch Pose )

Ardha Chandrasana ( Half Moon Pose )

Upavistha Konasana ( Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend )

Ardha Adho Mukha Sukhasana ( Half Forward Easy Pose )

Paschimottanasana ( Head to Knee Pose )

Savasana ( Corpse Pose )