Mat Matters, Episode 19: Forward Folds {Hello Hamstrings!}

Oh you guys, I just want people to stop forcing forward folds so badly. Well, really, I want people to stop forcing all poses (it's so painful for me to watch!), but especially forward folds. 

I'm sure you don't do it, right? I know, you would never (!). But many people do, so today, we're talking about how to fold forward properly--without compromising the lower back or pulling on the muscles or yanking the shoulder out of socket.  

Is this one of my soapboxes as a teacher? Yes. Do I have many more? Yes, yes I do. And I know that a forward fold isn't as glamorous or as sexy as moving from crow to tripod headstand or coming into astravakrasana, but I think that this pose is more important than the sexier poses because it's about taking care of your body, and that's something that most of us have a much harder time doing [than pushing ourselves].

So, lets stop forcing it--in yoga and in life--and instead, lets just breathe and let things unfold. Deal?

You can watch today's video here or on my YouTube Channel (where you can also subscribe so that you never miss an episode!).

Thanks for listening ;)