Seated Bent-leg Forward Bend

About This Class

Bryan Kest leads a careful, step-by-step exploration of Tiryanga Mukha Eka Pada Paschimottanasana — the Seated Bent-Leg Forward Bend — emphasizing breath, sensitivity, and personal range of motion above all else. Starting from Child's Pose, students transition into the seated position with one leg extended and one bent back beside the hip, then fold forward over the straight leg. Bryan offers multiple modifications: widening the knee distance to reduce intensity, using one hand on the floor for balance if hips are tight, flexing the toes of the extended leg for a deeper hamstring stretch, and pressing the back of the knee into the floor to open connective tissue. The pose targets the hamstrings, glutes, quadriceps, calves, Achilles tendons, and the ankle, knee, and hip of the bent leg, with core engagement cued to protect the lower back. The overall tone is meditative and anatomically attentive, framing the breath as the true foundation of the practice.