25/08/2025                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            Om. This is how yoga meets the body where it is, and gradually restores health and vitality…
Ardha Padahastasana Progression
A healthy spine is not about how far you can bend — it’s about how much length and space you can create.
Here we see three Kintsugi practitioners showing us variations of Ardha Padahastasana, as per their own spinal situation. 
1. Knees bent, with blocks — A safe starting point for stiff hamstrings or a tight back. Bending the knees takes the strain off the lumbar spine, while blocks bring the floor closer, allowing the spine to elongate naturally. Breathwork does its magic — Breathing in, shift your body weight on the toes with a lifted chest; breathing out, gently pull the shoulders back and create more length in lower back. Thank you  
2. Knees extended, with blocks — As flexibility improves, the hamstrings begin to release. The blocks continue to support you, helping the back muscles (erector spinae) to lengthen without compression. Breathing in, we begin to lift the buttocks more up; breathing out, we continue the work on the shoulders and keep the weight on the toes. Thank you  
3. Knees extended, no blocks — With consistent practice, the body opens up. The hamstrings and spine lengthen, circulation improves, and the entire back body feels spacious and alive. Thank you  
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Yoga teaches us that there’s no rush — every stage is equally valuable. If we do the fundamental asanas regularly {with correct alignment and breathwork}  — the spine can stay supple, strong, and long, even as we age. No stiffness. No nagging pains. 
🌿Start where you are. And let yoga unfold your true potential, one breath at a time.
Love & Light ☀️💛☀️