Big Toe Pose ( Padangusthasana), in which the student grasps the big toes with the index and middle fingers while keeping the spine extended (Figure 1), is a more advanced variation of a standing forward bend. The difficulty is not only in reaching the toes, but in maintaining the quality of that movement so that the spine is freed rather than compressed.
While this asana (pose) appears to be a simple forward bend, Paschimottanasana (Sanskrit for intensive stretch to the West or back of the body) is the most difficult forward bend for most students to practice correctly. What makes the pose so difficult is that the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh must lengthen in order for the pelvis to rotate forward. This allows the spinal column to remain relatively straight while bending forward.