Yoga How To: Downward Dog

I’m totally crazy about downward-facing dog!  I always try to incorporate this pose into my yoga practice because it stretches out my legs, which feels sooo good! This pose is also a great shoulder stretcher! Just grab a yoga mat, throw on some comfy clothes, and I’ll teach you how to do it!

 1. To start this pose, get down on your hands and knees. You want your knees to be directly below your hips. Position your hands slightly in front of your shoulders. Spread out your fingers and curl your toes under.

2. Exhale and push your knees off the floor, raise those hips! Start to straighten your legs. Keep your arms straight and hands flat on the floor. Rotate your shoulder blades away from your head. Your head should hang parallel to your arms. Keep your eyes focused on the center of your stomach.

3. Keep your tailbone pointed toward the ceiling. Your body should now look like an inverted “V”.

4. Hold for 30 seconds to two minutes. Only hold the pose for as long as you feel comfortable. If you feel any pain in your shoulders or wrists, stop and come out of the pose.

5. To come out of downward dog, exhale and slowly bring your knees to the ground. Then go into Child’s Pose; forehead on the ground, arms under your shoulders, palms facing up. Come out of Child’s Pose whenever you feel like it.

I hope you’ll give downward dog a try! You’ll get super relaxed shoulders and your legs will feel amazing!