12/09/2026
Unlocking binds in yoga isn’t about forcing your hands to touch - it’s about opening your shoulders, turning your torso, and creating leverage from the ground up.
When you bind, you’re using your own body to create a closed circuit. Instead of reaching or straining, focus on creating space through the spine first, then rotating from the ribcage. The connection in your hands is simply the byproduct of a deep, open twist.
Some tips to refine your bind:
🔸️Root before you reach: Establish a solid, grounded base in your legs before attempting to wrap.
🔸️Lead with the heart: Roll the top shoulder back and open the chest rather than collapsing forward to grab a wrist.
🔸️Keep breathing: If your breath becomes shallow, back off slightly. The bind should deepen your awareness, not restrict your vitality.
Whether you’re wrapping in Twisted lunge, Extended Side Angle, Marichyasana, or Bird of Paradise, remember that a strap or a soft grip on your clothing works just as well. Respect where your shoulders are today.
