Start lying down on the floor, breathe in and on the next exhalation bend the left leg upwards, bringing the knee toward the chest. Place a yoga belt around the left foot and on the next exhalation lift the leg upwards. Keep the raised leg as straight as possible and perpendicular to the floor.
The right leg should be in line with the rest of the body with the toes facing upward. Keep the chest open and the shoulders down.
If you can do this posture without a belt, just place your arms and hands on the floor as you raise the leg up. Hold the posture for about 30 seconds. To come out exhale and gradually bring the leg down. Repeat on the other side for the same length of time.
The reclining big toe yoga posture helps to strengthen and stretch the thighs, calves and hamstrings.
Hatha Yoga Postures: Sanskrit – English
Marcia has been practising yoga for over 20 years and has specialised in the Hatha and Ashtanga schools of yoga, although has also enjoyed learning other branches such as Iyengar. As well as yoga she practices meditation, and plays a wide range of sports, including badminton, cricket, cycling, and walking.