Standing Forward Bends: Uttanasana, Padangusthasana (Hand to Big Toe), Padahastasana (Hand to Foot / Gorilla) — Overview — for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Health & Wellness Coaches, Holistic Healthcare Providers
About this Asana Digest
Poses
Uttanasana (Intense Stretching Posture / Standing Forward Bend), Ardha Uttanasana (Half Standing Forward Bend), Padangusthasana (Hand to Big Toe Pose), Padahastasana (Hand to Foot Pose / Gorilla), and related poses such as Baddha Hasta Uttanasana (Bound Hands Standing Forward Bend).
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Standing Poses
Uttanasana
OOT-tan-AHS-ahna
“uttana” = intense stretching or extension
Intense Stretching Posture
Also known as: Standing Forward Bend
Ardha Uttanasana
ARE-dah OOT-tan-AHS-ahna
Half Standing Forward Bend
Also known as: Half Way Lift
Padangusthasana
POD-ung-goos-TAWS-ahna
Hand to Big Toe Pose
Padahastasana
PAH-dah-hah-STAHS-ahna
Hand to Foot Pose
Also known as: Gorilla Pose
Baddha Hasta Uttanasana
Bound Hands Intense Stretching Posture
Summary
- Uttanasana – hands on floor, block or legs
- Padangusthasana – hold big toes
- Padahastasana – hands under feet
Notes
- Ardha Uttanasana is often used as the name for a Half Way Lift and included in Surya Namaskar and other vinyasas.
- However, in some styles, Padangusthasana is the name for a Half Way Lift. In this case, the naming comes from Part I of Padangusthasana in the Iyengar tradition: toes are clasped and spine is lengthened forward into a Half Way Lift.
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