Gallery-grade matte paper · Printed in the UK · Ships unframed
Seated Forward Fold
Paschimottanasana
“Intense West Stretch” · Pronounced PAH-shee-moh-tahn-AH-sah-nah
Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana) is a beginner forward-fold pose. The whole back of the body, opening — patience beats force here.
Paschimottanasana comes from paschima (west, meaning the back of the body), uttana (intense stretch) and asana (pose) — an intense stretch of the whole back body.
What it gives you
- Lengthens the hamstrings and spine
- Calms the nervous system
- Eases a tight lower back
Sizes & pricing
Every print ships unframed, ready for a frame you love. Free UK shipping over £60.
Want the Seated Forward Fold print?
The first asana series drops soon. Join the list for 10% off and first dibs when it lands.
How to do Seated Forward Fold
A beginner forward-fold pose, step by step.
- 1Sit in Staff Pose with your legs extended and feet flexed.
- 2Inhale and lengthen the spine, reaching the arms up.
- 3Exhale and hinge forward from the hips, reaching toward the feet.
- 4Hold the shins, ankles or feet — wherever you reach without rounding.
- 5Let the spine lengthen forward with each breath rather than yanking down.
Alignment tips
- →Lead with the chest toward the feet, folding from the hips, not the upper back.
- →Loop a strap around the soles and hold that if you can't reach the feet.
Common questions about Seated Forward Fold
What does Paschimottanasana mean?
Paschimottanasana comes from paschima (west, meaning the back of the body), uttana (intense stretch) and asana (pose) — an intense stretch of the whole back body.
What does Seated Forward Fold stretch?
The entire back line of the body — hamstrings, calves, lower back and spine. It's also a calming, inward pose often used near the end of practice.
Why can't I touch my toes in Seated Forward Fold?
Tight hamstrings, usually. Bend the knees, sit up on a blanket, or use a strap around the feet. Folding from the hips with a long spine beats reaching the toes with a rounded back.
What sizes does the Seated Forward Fold print come in?
Three sizes: 8×12" (£19.99), 16×24" (£25.99) and 24×36" (£39.99). Every print ships unframed. Free UK shipping over £60.
