Yoga Practice:
Straddle Twist
Overview:
Straddle twists a yoga warm up that help lengthen the musculature of the inner thighs and hamstrings and engage and release the back-body and abdominal musculature to create spinal rotation.
Instructions:
Stand with feet wide apart and parallel in Straddle. Maintaining a long spine, fold forward from your hips and place your hands on the floor beneath your chest.
On an inhale, press your left hand into the floor and extend your right arm out to the side and turn the torso to the right until your arm is reaching overhead. Exhale to return your right hand to the mat. Then switch sides.
Repeat several times, alternating from side to side in coordination with the breath.
Modifications & Variations:
To maintain a long spine and support your range of comfort, place blocks beneath hands, or place hands on the seat of a chair.
Helpful Hints:
Never overdo or force any yoga movement. If you begin to experience discomfort or pain, release the posture. Find a variation of the posture that serves your body and practice best.
Practice with self-compassion and non-judgement..
Content from NYCDOE YMTP² curricular materials