Downward Dog


Instructions

  • Stand on the floor on your hands and knees
  • Make sure your hands are directly below your shoulders and your knees are directly below your hips
  • Tuck your toes and slowly lift your hips up towards the ceiling
  • Keep your knees slightly bent and press your chest towards your thighs
  • Push your heels toward the ground and keep your arms straight
  • Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds
  • Slowly lower your hips back to the ground

Benefits

  • Abdominal Muscles: This stretch helps to stretch and strengthen the core muscles of the abdomen, providing better posture and improved balance. It also helps to improve digestion and relaxes the hips, lower back, and shoulders.
  • Shoulders: This stretch helps to open the front of the shoulders, allowing for increased range of motion and improved posture. Additionally, it can help to reduce stiffness in the upper back and neck.
  • Arms: This stretch helps to open and lengthen the muscles of the arms, allowing for improved flexibility and range of motion. Additionally, it can help to reduce tension and stiffness in the arms, shoulders, and neck.
  • Spine: This stretch helps to lengthen and strengthen the muscles of the spine, improving flexibility and range of motion. Additionally, it helps to reduce tension and stiffness in the lower back, shoulders, and neck.
  • Legs: This stretch helps to open and lengthen the muscles of the legs, allowing for improved flexibility and range of motion. Additionally, it can help to reduce tension and stiffness in the hamstrings, quads, and hips.