During Seated Forward Fold, which action helps deepen the stretch?

During Seated Forward Fold, which action helps deepen the stretch?

• A. Keep the knees fully straight
• B. Straighten your legs to deepen the stretch
• C. Hold the breath
• D. Bend the neck forward

Answer: (B)

Depth in a Seated Forward Fold comes from lengthening the spine and extending the legs so the posterior chain can stretch more. Straightening the legs increases the distance over which your hamstrings and the back of the legs can reach as you hinge from the hips, so with a long spine and an active exhale, folding forward deepens. Keep the sit bones grounded, chest lengthened forward, and feet active to protect the knees. If your hamstrings are tight, it’s okay to start with a slight bend in the knees and gradually work toward full extension while maintaining a tall spine. Holding the breath or bending the neck won’t help you reach deeper and can reduce the quality and safety of the stretch.

Depth in a Seated Forward Fold comes from lengthening the spine and extending the legs so the posterior chain can stretch more. Straightening the legs increases the distance over which your hamstrings and the back of the legs can reach as you hinge from the hips, so with a long spine and an active exhale, folding forward deepens. Keep the sit bones grounded, chest lengthened forward, and feet active to protect the knees. If your hamstrings are tight, it’s okay to start with a slight bend in the knees and gradually work toward full extension while maintaining a tall spine. Holding the breath or bending the neck won’t help you reach deeper and can reduce the quality and safety of the stretch.