Hip Opening & Forward Folds Workshops
Deepen your practice with structured forward folds and safe hip-opening techniques using traditional Hatha methods and prop-assisted alignment.
Here I demonstrate Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold). I teach the importance of using Uddiyana Bandha to lengthen the spine from the tailbone forward, rather than rounding the back.
A class of dedicated students working on Hanumanasana (full splits). We use props like blocks to support the hips and ensure the stretch is safe and effective.
Students practicing a wide-legged split variation, focusing on opening the inner thighs and hamstrings.
A full class practicing Hanumanasana. The focus and dedication in the room are palpable as students work at their individual edges.
Students using blocks under their hips for support in Hanumanasana, allowing them to hold the pose and breathe into the stretch.
Students in Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) with a forward fold, a deep stretch for the inner thighs and groin.
Using blocks under the hands in Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Bend) to maintain a long spine.
A class practices Paschimottanasana, using blocks to elevate the hips if needed, which facilitates a deeper forward bend.
Students working on Hanumanasana, with some achieving the full split and others using props for support.
A class practices Krounchasana (Heron Pose), an intense seated hamstring stretch.
About Hip Opening & Forward Folds
Many students try to force forward folds by rounding the back, which compresses the spine rather than stretching the hamstrings. In my classes, we use props like blocks and belts not as a crutch, but as tools to maintain skeletal alignment, allowing you to access the hips safely without strain.
Understanding the Fold
True forward folding is about lengthening the spine from the tailbone to the occipital bone, not just touching your toes. When we practice postures like Paschimottanasana, the focus remains on the extension of the umbilical area using Uddiyana Bandha. Without this lock, you risk lower back injury rather than the intended release in the posterior chain.
The Role of Props in Hip Opening
In poses like Hanumanasana (full splits) or Kurmasana, we often encounter resistance in the hip capsule or hamstrings. I teach students to use wall ropes, bolsters, and wooden blocks to create a stable, supportive environment. This allows the body to relax enough to release deep-seated tension. Props are not a shortcut; they are intelligent tools that allow for correct adjustment and alignment when the body is not yet ready for the full expression of the asana.
Our Workshop Focus
We dedicate our weekend sessions to the anatomy of the pelvis and spine. You will learn to:
- Use blocks to elevate the hips in seated folds, preventing the pelvis from tilting backward.
- Incorporate wall support to deepen standing splits and improve balance.
- Practice restorative sequences with bolsters to safely open the inner thighs.
My studio in DLF Phase 5 is a space for serious practice. Whether you are working toward your first split or refining an advanced tortoise pose, the method is the same: rigorous, alignment-focused, and consistent.
Devender Bhardwaj
I’m Devender. My practice and teaching are built on the path of Sanatan Dharma, where we treat asanas as a serious, disciplined science. If you come to my studio in DLF Phase 5, you will find no gimmicks, just direct alignment cues and the support you need to push your practice safely.
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