#backbendmadness

Day 25 #backbendmadness is Hanumanasana, Front Splits. The name Hanumanasana comes from the story of Hanuman’s mythic jump in the Ramayana from the southern tip of India to Sri Lanka to rescue his wife Sita. Hanuman’s name can be translated into one whose pride was destroyed and sometimes attempting the spits can really break your ego. Start off by stepping forward with one leg from downward facing dog. Point both of your feet, stabilize your pelvic floor and equalize the hips. It’s easy to turn one hip out to cheat your way into the split but be conscious about turning the hips forward so that the back knee is facing the ground. Not only will this produce a deeper Hanumanasana but it will prevent injury. Once you find the foundation through the legs and core the next task is you lift your spine up and out of the foundation. Don’t try to arch backwards from the beginnings, just start off with a nice deep split. Drop your head back and if there is more space that your spine allows you will feel it as ease and flow. Once you feel that space relax into while maintaining the strong upward thrust. If you can see your foot or your ankle you might be able to reach all the way back and grab it, but don’t force or twist too much off the center line to make it happen. And don’t worry if this is impossible check @beachyogagirl for a beginner option @fitqueenirene for a low option. Clothes by our awesome sponsor @liquidoactive  Tag us in all your posts 😊

I love this! My new favorite studio @yogapowerspirit in West Palm Beach. Owner Cat and @claudiarbohn helping me with tomorrow's challenge pose for #backbendmadness 😘