Are you in Canada? Click here to proceed to the HK Canada website.

For all other locations, click here to continue to the HK US website.

Human Kinetics Logo

Purchase Courses or Access Digital Products

If you are looking to purchase online videos, online courses or to access previously purchased digital products please press continue.

Mare Nostrum Logo

Purchase Print Products or eBooks

Human Kinetics print books and eBooks are now distributed by Mare Nostrum, throughout the UK, Europe, Africa and Middle East, delivered to you from their warehouse. Please visit our new UK website to purchase Human Kinetics printed or eBooks.

Feedback Icon Feedback Get $15 Off

Yin yoga: ankle stretch

This is an excerpt from Journey Into Yin Yoga, A by Travis Eliot.

Suggested Duration

2-3 minutes



Benefits

This pose targets the ankles and tops of the feet.


Risks and Contraindications

If you have tight ankles (like runners!), ease into the stretch with caution. If you feel sharp pain in the knees, then ease out of the pose.


Alignment Points

  • Begin in a kneeling position, sitting on the heels.
  • Place both hands on top of the knees.
  • Gently lean back until the shins and knees lift off the floor.
  • Maintain the length of the spine so that you resist collapsing through the spine.
  • Don't let the head fall back and overextend the neck.


Modifications and Other Options

  • Place a blanket under the feet for added comfort.
  • Doing the pose without lifting the knees off the floor still provides a solid stretch (1).


  • If balance is an issue, place the hands on the floor next to the body or on top of blocks for support.

Learn more about A Journey Into Yin Yoga.

More Excerpts From Journey Into Yin Yoga