Sit on chair. Legs wide apart. Slowly bend forward with crown of head facing the earth. Place palms to floor. Hold. Release.
Hip 0pener. Stretches back side of body. Low back stretch.
Low back problems. High or low blood pressure.
Benefits of Forward Bends in Pilates
- Calm the brain.
- Relieve stress.
- Eases mild depression.
- Stretch hamstrings, calves, and hips.
- Strengthen thighs and knees.
- Improves digestion.
- Reduce anxiety.
Forward bends are popular in Pilates classes because they open up the entire backside of the body – from heels to calves, to hamstrings to hips, and all along the entire spine through to the tips of your fingers. Forward bends also build strength and flexibility in the spine. They also release tension in the neck, upper back and lower back.
Consider the supreme commander of your nervous system, the spine, with the billions of nerves in the body reporting to it. Forward folds create space between each and every vertebra, increasing circulation to those billions of nerves. This results in soothing your autonomous nervous system. Soothing the nervous system, and getting out of the stressful flight or fight mode, you can turn your gaze inward – physically and emotionally.
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