Hanumanasana

Why I work on the splits.

Lunge, Juni 2021

Lunge, Juni 2021

Firstly: The splits are basic asanas. When they are mastered other asanas become easier.

In Ashtanga Yoga the splits get introduced already during the standing sequence. Utthita hasta padangusthasana and utthita parsvasahita are the poses. They have an additional challenge which is balancing.

Secondly: I discovered hanumanasana when I looked for exercises to deepen back bending. Urdhva dhanurasana, but all the other back bending asanas as well are easier when the hip flexor is stretched. There are many positions that aim for stretching exactly this part of the body. All the lunge poses are a great preparation exercise for all back bending asanas.

It’s recommended to keep the hips parallel. In order to protect the knee one can get on the balls of the feet. This intensifies the stretch.

To hold lunge poses for 5 minutes is challenging. The discomfort gets worse and worse. Deep breathing helps to relax and only a relaxed body stretches.

Everything stretching takes time. It’s better to begin slowly. Injuries take time to heal. Consistency is the key.

I integrate lunges into my morning practice. I don’t want to miss them.

To stretch the hip flexor is rather challenging for me. I cannot hold the position for 5 minutes. Not yet. The pose is improving. My back bending profits from this work.

Today we have the 1st of July, the fist half of the year 2021 is over. Back bending will remain my focus in the next 6 months.

I appreciate that I can practice again with intensity. Last month I only missed one practice on a Sunday. In total I was more than 40 hours on the mat in June. I’m glad that I was so consequent.

Be patient and work on your goals consistently.

Hanumanasana

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I practice the split poses every day. Usually my body is upright and my hands are on blocks. Getting into hanumanasana means that one must stretch.

How to stretch safely:

  1. Practice daily.

  2. Be patient and trust the process.

  3. Feel the stretching pain. It will fade away after a while. Go a bit deeper. How far can you go without over stretching? This is your personal knowledge you acquire. Get to know your limits and get a bit beyond them, not too much.

  4. Practice stretching exercises only after a warm up.

  5. Repeat this pose three times.

  6. Hold the pose up to one minute. Start with a couple of breaths. Change sides. Repeat. This time it should be possible to get a bit deeper and to hold the pose longer.

  7. Again be attentive. Don’t overdo. Injuries are setbacks. Practice responsibly.

I practice this pose as a preparation for back bending. When the body is upright the front side of the hips gets stretched enormously. Being flexible on the front side of the hips is very useful when bending backwards.

Keep breathing.