| The Split - (Hanumanasana or Monkey Pose) | | | | the front leg is straight and the back leg is bent. Then |
| Be patient! It usually takes a long time to master this | | | | try to shift forward and back, in and out of the lunge, |
| posture. | | | | until the two actions begin to feel complementary. At |
| Hanumanasana is dedicated to Hanuman, a powerful | | | | this point you can slide the front leg and back leg as |
| monkey-faced God from India's great epic, the | | | | straight as possible, approaching the full split pose. |
| 'Ramayana' and his famous leap across the sea from | | | | When both actions are equal, the pose becomes |
| the southern tip of India to the island of Sri Lanka to | | | | grounded and balanced. |
| rescue Sita, the Rama's wife. Hanuman is known for | | | | The Split gives many wonderful benefits when |
| his devotion to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of | | | | practiced safely and patiently. However, in same health |
| Vishnu and this pose honors that devotion. | | | | conditions the Split posture is not recommended to |
| Commonly referred to as the split, Hanumanasana, is | | | | perform. |
| one of the most challenging poses in Hatha yoga | | | | Three important reasons not to do the Split: |
| practice, because it demands two seemingly opposite | | | | 1) In case of dislocation of a hip do not attempt this |
| actions in the pelvis. While one leg is moving in a | | | | posture. |
| forward direction, the other leg is moving backwards. | | | | 2) Anyone suffering from slipped disc and sciatica |
| Although it may appear that flexibility is the main | | | | should avoid this posture. |
| requirement to perform the split, strength is a necessity | | | | 3) If you are suffering from groin or hamstring injuries |
| in mastering this position safely. | | | | do not do this posture. |
| The Split tones the leg muscles and improves flexibility | | | | Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have |
| and blood circulation in the legs and hips. It massages | | | | any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this |
| the abdominal organs and tones the reproductive | | | | pose for you. The reader of this article should exercise |
| system. | | | | all precautions before deciding to attempt this posture |
| Be careful! This posture is an intense hamstring stretch. | | | | and the responsibility lies solely with the reader and not |
| Only come down as far as is comfortable. Practice | | | | with the site or the writer. |
| this posture on a bare floor without a sticky mat. | | | | Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga |
| The excellent preparation for the full split posture is to | | | | by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. |
| begin in a basic lunge and then shift the hips back, until | | | | |