Monkey Pose

Monkey Pose

  

 Monkey pose (Hanumanasana), is the yogic name to the famous front splits: a beautiful posture that requires dedication, flexibility and patience.

 Monkey Pose stretches your entire lower body, including your thighs, hamstrings and groin. It also stimulates the abdominal organs and engages your core.

While some yogis can still whip out a Monkey Pose without a lot of warm up or effort, most yogis will be challenged. That’s because the pose is very demanding on the hamstrings, glutes and groin. For people who are naturally flexible—meaning that they have long hamstrings—this is a non-issue. But regular folks tend to have shorter muscles in the back of the legs and inside the pelvis. So, think of this pose as a progression. When you try it, go almost to your edge—but not quite—and then back off a bit to keep your legs safe and healthy in Monkey Pose.