Forward bends occupy the largest proportion of the Ashtanga yoga Primary Series, from Paschimottanasana through the Marichyasana series, threading throughout the entire sequence. Forward bends not only stretch the back of the legs and the posterior chain but on a deeper level serve to soothe the nervous system and calm the mind.

Articles here share forward bend practice techniques and insights — how to safely deepen forward bends, how to maintain spinal extension rather than compression, the importance of pelvic tilt, and common mistakes in forward bend practice with methods for improvement. Forward bends may appear passive but actually require a great deal of active engagement and patience. Learning to relax within a forward bend is an art in practice.