You see Downward Facing Dog pose in most yoga classes and even in popular culture and advertising. The pose stretches the back and strengthens the whole body, but can be challenging if you have sensitive wrists, arms, or shoulders. In this video, we explore how to:
- Find space and ease in Down Dog by taking a wider stance
- Engage the hands and arms to reduce sensitivity in the wrists
- Adapt the pose to fit your body by supporting the body on the forearms (Dolphin Pose), lowering the knees to the mat (Puppy Pose), or taking Down Dog at the wall
Props to try: Wall.
Benefits
- Strengthens the upper body
- Lengthens the calves, hamstrings, glutes, hips and low back
- Energizing and confidence building
Up Next in Twisting, Folding & Bending Poses
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Cobra Pose / Bhujangasana
Cobra Pose is an accessible backbend that opens the front of the body, strengthens the back, and is a great alternative to use in place of Upward Facing Dog. In this video, we explore how to:
- Set up the pose and adapt it to fit your body
- Engage your deep low back and pelvic floor muscles (Mul... -
Bow Pose / Dhanurasana
Bow Pose got its name because it looks like an archer’s bow. This intense backbend is a great way to stretch the front of the body but can be challenging if you’ve got an abundant middle or if tight shoulder makes it hard to reach your feet. In this video, we explore how to:
- Set up the pose and... -
Revolved Lunge / Parivrtta Anjaneyasana
Revolved Lunge strengthens the legs, stretches the back and challenges balance all at the same time. In this video we explore how to:
- Find ease and stability in the pose by widening the width of your base
- Work around an abundant mid-section
- Adjust the arm position to make the twist more acc...
