touch my toes

And I attribute it to Ashtanga yoga! I can technically touch my toes now, but it’s not comfortable of perfectly straight. But I am so encouraged! Once I can do this with ease, my next goal will be for my heels to touch the ground when I do a downward facing dog!

I learned from an exercize specialist that stretching your hamstrings and calves is most effective when you are laying down. This way you are not having to use your muscles to stand or sit. So now, everyday, I lie down and use a yoga belt to hold my legs up in the air. It is also important to lock your knees and use your upper thigh muscles to pull your leg up. Tightening your abs also helps!

I was actively working on this goal for a while by stretching everymorning and every free few minutes I got during the day. I do feel like I got a little bit closer, but mostly due to my back stretching out. My calves and hamstrings seem to be just as tight. What have the rest of you done to try and meet this goal? I need some ideas. The traditional sit-and-reach method hurts!!