Down Dog
Photography: Jillian Clark
Location: Guest House Raleigh
Words by:
Charman Driver
Naturally, my dog has the perfect down dog pose. I watch, in awe, as she reaches her front paws forward and stretches her front legs out long. She then arches her back and lowers her chest towards the floor, with hind end and tail sticking way up in the air. It isn’t a mere stretch for the pup, she’s actually communicating that she’s happy and ready to play. As a human, my own down dog never looks as good as hers, but I’m working on it.
Down dog is one of the most recognizable yoga poses and an excellent all-over rejuvenating stretch. It deeply stretches the back, opens the chest, and builds upper body strength.
Let’s play!
Down Dog Pose:
1. Come to the floor on your hands and knees. Spread your fingers wide and press down through each finger and edges of the hands.
2. Tuck the toes under and exhale as you press into the hands and lift the hips away from the floor towards the ceiling.
3. With straight arms (but not locked elbows), press the tailbone up and back as you reach the chest towards the thighs. Keep the spine straight and long. If your hips are tight, bend your knees slightly.
4. Keep your feet hips-width apart and toes facing forward. Press the heels down towards the floor to stretch the backs of the legs. Keep the head between the upper arms but look up at your belly button. Breathe in and out 4-8 breaths.
5. Release by bending the knees and lowering the hips back down to your hands and knees.