Critical Elements of the Asana

Coming into Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana
Getting into the full position of the asana requires a lot of strength. To begin this pose, one must stand in tadasana. Then one must fold their right leg in, by grabbing the right heel and placing the foot on the lower left side of their abdomen, or upper left thigh. Once stable, one must raise their right hand behind their back to grab the right foot. Raising the left hand, one then bends from the hip bones, bending forward. Place the left palm on the floor, and align the fingertips with the toes. Slowly draw one's chin into their shin.

Coming out of Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana
To come out of Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana, one must first look up and raise their chest. Using the standing leg, they would arise from the bend and resume back to a vertical position. Lastly, they would release the right leg.

(This pose could also be done with the left leg.)

Actions involved in the asana
Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana requires a lot of flexibility with the hips and spine. This asana incorporates a lot of actions. One major action is first folding the right leg inward, followed by reaching over one's back to grab the right leg, both of which require a centered balance. Another action in this asana is the bending forward to one's shin, which is difficult because one can be tempted to bend their standing leg.