Yoga for Flexibility

He may never admit you're right. But these reasons might persuade your stubborn dad to at least try it.

Sometimes less is more, even in yoga.

Bound Angle Pose, or Baddha Konasana, opens the deepest part of the hip muscles.

Open wide into Prasarita Padottanasana to increase flexibility by leaps and bounds.

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana is a deep hip opener and forward bend that you should approach consciously to reap its many benefits.

Fold into Paschimottanasana to help your distracted mind—and your hamstrings—unwind.

Parsvottanasana encourages balance, body awareness, and inspires confidence.

One of yoga's most widely recognized poses, Adho Mukha Svanasana strengthens the core and improves circulation, while providing a delicious, full-body stretch.

Extended Triangle Pose is a quintessential standing pose that stretches and strengthens the whole body.

Uttanasana will wake up your hamstrings and soothe your mind.

Virabhadrasana I is a foundational yoga pose that balances flexibility and strength in true warrior fashion.

Purvottanasana counteracts the effects of Chaturanga by stretching the pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and anterior deltoids.

Take a break. Balasana is a restful pose that can be sequenced between more challenging asanas.

As a counterpose to Utthita Trikonasana and preparation for seated forward bends and twists, this pose is key to a skilled practice.

All the poses, transitions, and anatomy know-how you need for your most successful attempt yet—whether you're taking class or teaching it.

Folding into Marichyasana I or Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi I calms your mind, extends your spine, and gives your internal organs a healthy squeeze.

It's a myth that you have to be flexible to do yoga. But with consistency, your asana practice can help you build flexibility over time, so you can move more efficiently—both on and off the mat.

Senior Yoga Medicine teacher Rachel Land created our Yoga for Flexibility Challenge but explains why it’s not all about about “stretching.”

There’s a myth that a strong muscle is a tight one, and a flexible muscle is weak. It seems counterintuitive, but identifying and strengthening weak areas can actually help tight areas release their grip. Your challenge for this week is to address one or two of your dormant areas with targeted strength work. Share your progress on social media with #YJflexichallenge for a chance to be featured on our @YogaJournal Instagram page!

Open your hips and hamstrings, create flexibility in your spine, and increase circulation to your core with these prep poses for Tolasana.