Pyramid (Parsvottanasana)

Benefits:

• Stretches the hamstrings and hips

• Opens the chest

• Lengthens the spine

• Improves balance

• Strengthens the legs and feet

Steps:

• Begin standing with your feet hip width apart and parallel

• Inhale, bring your hands to your hips (or hold onto your opposite elbows behind your back)

• Exhale, step your left foot back about 3 to 3 ½ feet and turn your left foot (back foot) out slightly to keep your heel down

• Inhale, look up to the ceiling and arch your back slightly

• Exhale, maintain the extension of your spine as you begin to hinge forward from your hips, bringing your belly towards your right thigh

• Bend your knees if you need to so you may maintain a straight back

• Relax your head, maintaining a neutral position for your neck (not arching your neck or rounding it)

• Take 3 long slow breaths

• Inhale, slowly raise your torso back to standing

• Step your left foot forward

Repeat on the other side.