Standing Half Bend
Description
The standing half bend is a yoga style half forward fold. The lifter stands tall and folds forward halfway with the back flat and the hands on the shins or thighs. The half fold stretches the hamstrings safely and is a useful intermediate stretch.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Standing Half Bend Instructions
- Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
- Brace your core lightly.
- Place the hands on the shins or thighs.
- Hinge at the hips with a flat back.
- Lower the torso to about parallel to the floor.
- Keep the back long and chest up.
- Feel the stretch through the hamstrings.
- Hold the position and breathe deeply.
Standing Half Bend Form & Visual
Standing Half Bend Benefits
- Stretches the hamstrings
- Decompresses the lower back
- No equipment needed
- Useful warm-up stretch
- Easy to add anywhere
- Strong basic stretch
Standing Half Bend Muscles Worked
- Hamstrings
- Spinal erectors
- Calves
Standing Half Bend Variations & Alternatives
- Standing Forward Fold
- Front Toe Touch
- Down Dog
- Seated Forward Fold
