Hello, darlings??Day 1⃣3⃣ of #HeartOpeningSeptember is here with Anjaneyasana or Low Lunge with a backbend, which is a basic pose found in most yoga classes☺️
?Instructions for Low Lunge with raised arms and backbend:
Start in Downward Facing Dog Pose. On an exhalation, step your right foot forward and place it beside your right thumb, lining up your right knee over your right ankle. Lower your left knee to the floor, ensuring to place it behind your hips.
On an inhalation, raise your torso and sweep your arms above your head with your palms facing one another, placing your biceps beside your ears. On your next exhale, allow your hips to settle forwards and down until you feel a stretch in the front of your left leg and psoas.
Draw your tailbone done towards the earth, lengthening your lower back and engaging your core muscles. Begin to draw your thumbs into the back plane of your body as you reach up with your heart, and shift your gaze up for a backbend.
Try to focus on creating an even backbend with your spine, and avoid collapsing into your lower back.
?Modifications:
?Place a soft foam block or pillow under the back knee for cushioning;
?Do not raise the arms overhead if you have a shoulder or back injury;
?Keep the eye gaze downwards or forwards if you have a neck injury.
?Benefits:
?Strengthens the quadriceps and gluteus muscles;
?Stretches the psoas and hips;
?Relieves sciatica pain;
?Expands your chest, lungs and shoulders;
?Develops stamina and endurance in your thighs;
?Improves your balance, concentration and core awareness. For other variations check with @carolineanne92 @healthyfitsam @laurenleeyoga ? Sponsors: @dharmabumsactive @hipwidth @letsstartyoga @breakin_a_sweat @secretyogi @thepaprikashop ?