Strengthen, stretch, and stimulate the upper body with a beginner back bend in Half Wheel Pose…
Half Wheel Pose (Ardha Chakrasana) is a beginner-level yoga pose that stretches the abs, chest, spine and upper body, while building strength in the legs, knees, core, and more. This pose is also believed to stimulate the lungs, heart, and digestive organs for improved digestive and lung function and better circulation, while increasing energy levels throughout the body. It is also thought to improve posture and relieve stress and depression. This standing back bend pose offers a good stretch for the neck, back, and torso, and is a great preparatory pose for learning more advanced yoga back bends.
For a deeper stretch, you may bring your arms overhead and stretch them back towards the wall behind you as far as possible. You can also practice this by resting your hands on a wall behind you for support.
Be sure to keep your legs straight in the pose and bring your elbows as close together as possible to open the chest.
Those with high blood pressure, hernia, ulcers, vertigo, or neck, spine, or hip injuries should avoid this pose. You should also skip this one beyond the first trimester of pregnancy.
How to Do Half Wheel Pose:
- Stand erect in Mountain Pose separating the feet a few inches apart.
- Tuck your hands to your waist supporting the back.
- Draw your bent elbows backward keeping them parallel to each other.
- Inhale, stretching your neck drop the head backward.
- Exhale bending the upper body backward from the lumbar region.
- Lean back up to as far as you can breathe normally.
- Maintain the pose with normal breathing, for 3-10 breaths.
- Inhale and straighten the back return to the starting posture.
- Release the hands from the waist and relax in Mountain Pose.
Follow this pose with a forward bend such as Seated Forward Fold Pose or Wide-Legged Forward Fold.
Learn more at Fitsri.com…
