After exercise the use of a carefully placed folded chair and blanket combined with a forward bend can help release tension not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well.
- Step one warm up the body: a relaxed and warm muscle will stretch much better than a cold, tense or tight muscle (which could cause injury!)
- Then place a folded chair on a non slip surface, with a blanket for cushioning over the top of the chair back.
- Stand behind the chair, placing it at an angle (for stability) with the chair back at the hip crease.
- Taller people may need to add extra blankets to raise the chair back to hip crease level.
- Carefully bend forward, walking your hands down the sides of the chair keeping it closed.
- *Important: if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma or any other reason why you should not lower your head below your heart do not do this pose.
- Experiment with different arm positions.
- Elbows can be bent bringing the palms one palm on top of the other to support the head.
- Arms can stretch out, head supported by chair and blanket.
- Keep feet actively rooted but let knees and hamstrings relax.
- When you find a comfortable position, rest and relax for several breaths.
