If there is a lot of tightness in the hamstrings and gluteus maximus, hip flexion will be restricted and the hip flexors (psoas major, iliacus, pectineus, and rectus femoris) and abdominal muscles will tend to contract to pull the body forward into this pose. Instead, a folded blanket under the sitting bone can elevate the seat so that gravity is drawing the upper body forward more effectively. This is preferable to using the hip flexors and abdominal muscles, which can create a sense of congestion in the hip joints.

Elevating the sea, bending the knees, or both can allow the spine to come more forwards. There will still be lengthening in the hamstrings but in a less stressful way.

It should be noted that any stretching sensations around the origin or insertion of a muscle indicate that the tendons and connective tissue are being stretched — as opposed to the muscle fibers. Alignment and intention should always be adapted to direct stretching sensations into the bell of the target muscle—not its attachments.