Paschimottanasana

Paschimottanasana literally translated as "intense stretch of the west".

A yoga position (or asana) where one sits on the floor with legs flat on the floor, straight ahead. Lift spine long, hinge from the hips instead of the waist. Lean forward without bending your knees. Focus on bringing chest forward, not on bringing the head to the floor.

A similar frontbend is Uttanasana which is a standing front bend. Some consider Paschimottanasana to be a safer stretch since gravity is less of a factor than active flexibility in achieving flexibility in the furthest reaches of the stretch. It is more passive in its initial stages, making it a good transition between the two forms. The arms can also more easily support the upper body in this vulnerable position, and can be used both to move further into or move out of the stretch.

Unlike Uttanasana it is also much easier to move the legs, rotating them inward or outward, abducting or adducting them at the hip, flexing or extending the knees, or enacting plantar or dorsi flexion of the ankle. These variations can be performed either as a combined stretch, to change emphasis on different tissues, or simply to take one's mind off of the hamstrings and lower back being stretched. They can be used rythmically to aid in relaxation.