How to Loosen Hamstrings with the Heron Yoga Pose

The heron pose in yoga was created expressly to introduce yoga beginners into the intense hamstring stretches that characterize almost all yoga exercises and to keep yoga veterans lithe and Gumby-like.

By turning your midsection as you hold the bottom of your foot with the opposite hand, you'll increase your hamstring flexibility and lessen chances of hurting yourself when you graduate to harder yoga poses.