Tribe Verified

Forward Bends, Twists & Standing Poses

byAmina Sarkar Bharat RamOnline workshops & in-studio at Katwaria Sarai, New DelhiStarts from1,200 per weekend workshopView full gallery

Building a stable foundation through standing poses and finding deep, introspective calm with forward bends and twists, taught via the precise Iyengar method.

Students in a workshop practice Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) with a brick between the calf and the wall. This small adjustment helps to broaden the soles of the feet and stabilize the legs, allowing for a safer and deeper release in the lower back.

This is a supported Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) using a backbend bench. The gentle slope of the bench helps to lengthen the spine and release the hamstrings without force, making it a deeply restorative forward extension.

Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose) is demonstrated here using a chair for support. The chair helps to maintain length in the spine and stability in the legs, allowing for a deeper and more refined twist.

This is Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) with the back leg in Padmasana (Lotus Pose). This advanced variation challenges balance and combines a standing pose with a deep hip opener.

This is a variation of Parivrtta Parsvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose). The pose combines a deep twist with a standing posture, detoxifying the abdominal organs while strengthening the legs.

This video demonstrates the effects of using a belt around the calf in Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose). The belt helps to ground the standing foot, activate the quadriceps, and create length in the side body, improving the overall stability of the pose.

This sequence shows standing poses like Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) and Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose) practiced with wall ropes. The ropes provide support and traction, allowing the student to explore the full extension of the poses.

This video demonstrates a creative sequence flowing from Trikonasana to Ardha Chandrasana using a tilted chair. The prop acts as a dynamic support, challenging balance and encouraging fluid movement between the poses.

This video shows a transition between several poses: Ardha Padmottanasana, Vatayanasana, and Marichyasana II. This sequence requires flexibility, balance, and focus, demonstrating the flow and connection between different asanas.

Upavistha Konasana (Wide-Angled Seated Forward Bend) is a deep forward bend that stretches the hamstrings and inner thighs. This pose calms the brain and releases tension from the groin and spine.

About Forward Bends, Twists & Standing Poses

In my practice, we do not simply fold forward or twist the spine for the sake of the shape. Instead, we use tools—a brick placed between the calf and the wall, or a chair for support in Parivrtta Trikonasana—to cultivate precise alignment. This external support allows you to stabilize the legs, broaden the soles of the feet, and observe how the nervous system responds as the mind moves inward. You will find that when the external structure is correct, the internal quiet follows naturally.

Similar work from other experts

Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe