Not too many people are born being able to do a full split, so after you try these stretches to help open your hamstrings and hips, give this pose a try.
- From Downward Facing Dog, step your right foot forward as if you're coming into Warrior 1,
but leave your hands on the floor. Lower your left knee to the mat and
point your toes behind you. Shift your hips back so you can straighten
your front leg. Flex your foot.
- Slowly slide your right heel away form you. Lower your hips as far
as you can while keeping your right leg straight. It's OK if you can't
go down very far. Don't bend your right knee to get lower because it
will take the stretch out of your hamstrings.
- Stay here for five deep breaths. If your hips are on the floor,
straighten your arms up above you and gaze at your palms. After five,
place your hands on the floor and slide your right heel in toward your
body, step it back and come into Downward Facing Dog. Then repeat this
pose with the left leg forward.
