It's so important to include backbends
in your stretching routine. Not only do they increase flexibility in
your spine and neck, but they also stretch your abs, hip flexors,
shoulders, and chest. This pose is a combination of Bow and Cobra and it's one of my favorites.
- Lie on your belly. Bring your legs together so your knees are touching. Extend your arms straight out in front of you.
- Begin to slowly walk your hands toward your torso, keeping your hips
and thighs on the ground, but gently arching your lower back, coming
into Cobra. Walk them in as
far as you can, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Actively roll your
shoulders back and down away from your ears, elongating your neck.
- Bend your knees and lower your head between your shoulder blades. Work on touching your toes to your head.
- Stay here, opening through your chest, and take five deep breaths. Then slowly lower your chest back to the ground.
