Mandukasana: Frog Pose
Mandukasana (man-doo-KAHS-ah-nah) is a simple yet intense pose that brings length to the spine and deep stretches to the inner thighs and groins. This pose is best for warmed-up hips, and healthy knees and low backs.
SANSKRIT:
- Mandu = frog
- Asana = pose
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Stretches the inner hips and groins.
- Encourages length in the spine.
- Strengthens the back muscles.
PREPARATORY POSES:
- Child’s pose | Balasana
- Wide-legged forward fold | Prasarita padottanasan
- Bound angle pose | Baddha konasana
SEQUENTIAL POSES:
- Garland pose | Malasana
- Bound garland | Baddha malasana
- Crow pose | Bakasana
COUNTER POSES:
- Cow face pose | Gomukhasana
- Supine twist | Jathara parivartanasana
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:
- Use a pillow or folded blanket under your knees.
- Place a bolster under your torso for additional support.
STEP-BY-STEP:
- Begin in a table top shape facing the long edge of your mat.
- Walk your knees out wider than your hips. Flex your feet so your toes face outward and your heels are directly behind your knees.
- Option to place additional padding (e.g. blanket) under your knees or walk your knees closer together.
- Walk your hands forward a little or a lot. If you have room, place your forearms on a block or on the ground.
- Reach the crown of your head forward and your tailbone back. Keep your hips in the same plane as your knees (if you saw yourself from the side, knees would look like they’re under your hips).
- Lift your belly away from the ground.
- Hold for up to two minutes, then gently release to child’s pose.
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Hanumanasana: Front Splits Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Hanumanasana (hah-new-mahn-AHS-ah-nah) honors the great leap made by Hanuman, the famous monkey god from the Ramayana, across the ocean from India to the mountains of Sri Lanka. Front splits pose demands flexibility, strength, and stability.
Philosophy + Origin
More than just an incredible leap, Hanuman is remembered, celebrated, and worshiped because of his great devotion and courage. To be devoted, one must be bold enough to stand firmly in their beliefs, selflessly serving others and putting others’ needs above their own.
Because of its physical demands, it’s easy to get caught up in “achieving” the outward appearance of the posture. As such, it’s important to keep your ego in check as you dedicate yourself to the posture. Above all, invite kindness and selflessness to flow freely from the posture. As you practice, ask yourself how you can embody Hanuman’s devotion both in your physical yoga practice and your everyday life.