Upward Facing Dog can do wonders for a tight chest or lower back, but it can also provide some welcome relief to sore hip flexors and core muscles. Be sure to keep your thighs off the floor for the optimal stretch in this pose.
- Begin at the front of your mat in Mountain Pose. Inhale to lift your arms up, and exhale to fold forward into Standing Forward Bend.
- Inhale and look up with a flat back and, as you exhale, step or jump your feet back into a Four-Limbed Staff Pose.
- Inhale a breath as you scoop your chest forward, balancing on the tops of your feet and your hands, coming into Upward Facing Dog. Lower your head back between your shoulder blades. Pull your shoulder blades down your back, and hold for five breaths.
Source: Louisa Larson Photography
