Bridge Pose in yoga is a variation of the bridge exercise, though it's less of a strength move and more of a stretch for the front of your body — namely your chest and hips. While the goal of other bridges is to form a straight line with your body and keep your core engaged, this move is about opening up, so you can allow your back to arch.
- Start lying flat on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and palms pressed into the floor by your sides. Walk your heels as close as you can to your glutes, keeping them hip-width apart. Make sure both feet are parallel.
- Lift your hips off the floor. Clasp your hands together below your pelvis, extending through your arms. Rock your weight from side to side to bring the shoulder blades closer together underneath your chest.
- Hold for three to five breaths. To release this stretch, unclasp your hands and then gently lower your hips to the floor.
