How to do the sphinx yoga pose

Exercise


How to do the sphinx yoga pose
Sphinx Pose is a basic back bend that helps to improve the flexibility of your spine, focusing especially on your lower back. This is an energizing pose that helps open your chest, allowing you to breathe deeply and improve your lung capacity. Focusing on proper form while performing this pose will help you gain the strength and flexibility needed to try more advanced back bends. As with any yoga stretch, you should be careful not to over-stretch. Avoid Sphinx Pose if you have back, arm or shoulder problems, until you have checked with your doctor.
Instructions
Step 1 Lie face down with your arms stretched forward and your legs straight behind, hip width apart and the tops of your feet flat on the floor. Rest your forehead on the floor. Step 2 Bend your elbows and slide your hands toward you, palms down. Your elbows should be in line below your shoulders and your forearms should be flat on the floor. Step 3 Lift your chest forward and up, while maintaining length in your neck and keeping your shoulders down and relaxed. Step 4 Press your hips, legs and feet into the floor for support, but be careful not to squeeze your butt together. Step 5 If you are comfortable enough, lift the top of your head toward the ceiling so your face is looking forward. Step 6 Hold the pose for 15 seconds to 1 minute. Related Articles Who should do yoga? by Colleen Noon “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga!”, “Isn’t yoga just breathing and meditation?”, and “You can’t get a good workout doing yoga.” are some of the phrases I hear frequently as a yoga teacher.&nbs... More> What is yoga? by Caroline Atkins YOGA is a science, or practice, that has been around for thousands of years. Basically it involves stretching, and moving your body into different poses and postures. In the last couple decades, it became very popular with celebrities, including Mad... More> Yoga: How to fold yoga blankets by Youngbear Roth Are your Yoga blocks tipping over? Bolsters too bulky and pillows too soft? Blankets, bolsters, pillows, and blocks are used a great deal in Iyengar Yoga and in 'restorative' Yoga. These schools or styles of Yoga are practiced for illness, injury, o... More>	You will Need Comfortable Clothes Yoga Mat Tips & Warnings Never push beyond your limit. Stretch gently to avoid injury. Keep your elbows under your shoulders. Press your hips, legs, and feet into the floor, but do not clench your butt muscles together. Avoid Sphinx Pose if you have back, arm, or shoulder problems until you have checked with a doctor. Always check with a doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.

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