Upward Dog

Instructions

  • Start in the "Downward Dog" position, with your hands and feet on the floor
  • Push your hips up and back, so that your chest is facing forward and your shoulders are over your wrists
  • Lift your chin and gaze forward, so that your neck is in a neutral position
  • Slowly straighten your arms, pressing down through your hands
  • Keep your thighs pressing back, and allow your chest to open up
  • Hold the stretch for 10-20 seconds, and then release back to the starting position

Benefits

  • Shoulders: Stretching the shoulder muscles can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and enhance mobility and stability. It can also help to improve posture and reduce tension in the neck and upper back.
  • Arms: Stretching the arms can help reduce stiffness and tension and can help improve flexibility, strength and range of motion. It can also help to improve posture and reduce discomfort in the wrists and hands.
  • Chest: Stretching the chest muscles can help to improve posture, reduce tension, and open up the chest area. It can also help to improve breathing, increase blood flow, and reduce pain in the shoulders, neck, and back.
  • Abdomen: Stretching the abdominal muscles can help to improve posture, reduce tension, and strengthen the core muscles. It can also help to improve digestion and reduce discomfort in the lower back.
  • Back: Stretching the back muscles can help to reduce stiffness and tension, improve posture, and increase flexibility, strength, and range of motion. It can also help to reduce pain in the lower back and improve breathing.
  • Hips: Stretching the hip muscles can help to reduce stiffness and tension, improve posture, and increase flexibility, strength, and range of motion. It can also help to improve balance, reduce discomfort in the lower back, and improve the function of the hip joints.
  • Legs: Stretching the leg muscles can help to reduce stiffness and tension, improve posture, and increase flexibility, strength, and range of motion. It can also help to improve balance and reduce discomfort in the knees, ankles, and feet.