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Yoga·Hamstrings

Half Pancake (Janu Sirsasana)

Both sides · L/RHamstringsHipsLower BackAdductors
Half Pancake (Janu Sirsasana)
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At a glance

Equipment
Yoga mat
Suggested hold
Hold 8–10 breaths per side

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Common mistakes

  • You let the chest drift toward the bent-knee side instead of staying squared over the long leg.

  • You haul on the foot with the arms, rounding the back to close the distance.

  • You let the extended leg's kneecap roll outward as you fold.

  • You let the bent-knee side sit bone lift off the floor to buy depth.

What to focus on

  • Lead with the sternum toward the shin and let the head arrive last.

  • Keep both sit bones heavy — the stretch sharpens the moment they stay grounded.

  • Soften the extended knee slightly if the hamstring screams; you can straighten it again as it releases.

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Sources & further reading

  1. 1.A ~30-second static hamstring stretch reliably improves hamstring range of motion Physical Therapy (1997), Bandy & Irion