| Up Dog! |
|
|
| by Diet Detective Editorial Staff | |
| Wednesday, 28 June 2006 | |
 This yoga move logically balances the effects of Down Dog. Now lie face down on your mat, it's time for (surprise!) Up DogThis common yoga move is used to balance the effects of Down Dog and is, quite logically, called Up Dog, or more formally, Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana). Start by lying facedown on a mat. Place your hands directly under your shoulders, spreading your fingers wide open. Place your legs hip-width apart, toes pointed. As you inhale, press your hands into the floor while lifting your head and shoulders until your elbows are straight. Avoid sinking your head into your shoulders. Rotate your shoulders back as your chest opens. Keep your buttocks contracted and your knees off the floor. The backs of your knees should press toward the sky. The only parts touching the ground are the tops of your feet and your hands. It is important to keep the center of your body solid and light, so contract your abdominals. Breathe slowly and deeply ( ujjayi), and hold for about a minute.You can return to Up Dog at any time, alternating between it and Down Dog. Inhale into Up Dog. Exhale into Down Dog. This will open up the spine and loosen the back and shoulder muscles. Pay close attention to the back. If the whole body works together, you won't experience undue pressure on the lumbar spine. In time and with practice, you will get stronger and more flexible. These two poses can bring a spark of energy whenever you need it! Down Dog and Up Dog are used often as transitions between other poses in yoga classes or in vinyasas (flow series) and like our pets, can become our best friends in time of need. Noll Daniel is a registered yoga instructor and has been teaching in New York City since 1987. He is also the founder of Urban Yoga Workout. You can visit his web site at www.nolldaniel.com.
Bookmark:            Trackback(0)
Comments (0)
 Write comment
|
|
| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 28 June 2006 ) |
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
