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Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose) is a powerful backbend that energizes the body, opens the chest, and strengthens the arms and spine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing it safely and effectively:

♂️ Step-by-Step Instructions:

 

1. Start in a prone position

• Lie on your belly, legs extended straight back.

• Tops of your feet pressing into the mat.

• Place your palms beside your lower ribs, elbows bent and hugging close to your body.

 

2. Engage your legs

• Firm your thighs and press the tops of your feet strongly into the mat.

• Lift your kneecaps off the floor by engaging your quadriceps.

• Keep your legs active throughout the pose.

 

3. Press into your hands

• On an inhale, press your palms into the floor.

• Begin to straighten your arms, lifting your chest and torso off the mat.

• Roll your shoulders back and down.

 

4. Lift your thighs

• Continue pressing through your hands and feet so that your thighs lift off the floor.

• Only your hands and the tops of your feet should touch the mat.

 

5. Open your chest

• Broaden across your collarbones and lift through your sternum.

• Avoid compressing your lower back—lengthen through your spine.

• Gaze slightly upward or straight ahead, keeping the neck long and relaxed.

 

 

⚠️ Key Alignment Tips:

• Elbows should not splay out—keep them hugging in.

• Shoulders should be away from your ears.

• Do not let your lower back collapse—engage your core.

• If your thighs or pelvis are on the mat, you’re likely doing Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), not Upward Dog.

 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Letting shoulders hunch toward ears.

• Not engaging legs and allowing thighs to sag.

• Overarching the lower back without core support.

 

 

🌟 Benefits:

• Strengthens spine, arms, wrists.

• Opens chest, lungs, shoulders, and abdomen.

• Stimulates abdominal organs and improves posture.

• Energizes and combats fatigue.

 

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Uploaded on July 11, 2025