Uttanasana - Forward Bend

From Tadasana, inhale and lift the hands over the head.  Exhale opening the hands and diving down to a forward bend.  Let the legs be straight but not locked, hold and breathe, letting the breath extend through the spine.  Feel the upper body slowly drawing and relaxing toward the floor.  For variations, hands can wrap around the back of the legs or the palms can be placed on the floor or on blocks.  This pose stretches the backs of the legs, aligns the hips, and releases tension in the back.