How to do Downward Dog in Yoga

How to do Downward Dog in Yoga How do I do Downward-facing Dog? ChaptersPreparationDownward Dog: Step-by-step InstructionsPhysical BenefitsModifications VariationsDownward-facing dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana, is an essential yoga position for beginners to learn. This move is one of the most recognised and easy yoga poses, and it’s a critical foundation and transition for many other positions too.Downward dog pose is a great starting point for your yoga â€" and even just for a morning stretch - and it’s an easy transition into other poses such as Tadasana, plank, cobra and child’s pose, for example. It can also be used as a resting pose and strength-builder for the moments between movements.Downward-facing dog pose is also a wonderful way to stretch out and relax, as it straightens the spine and stretches out your limbs, abs, buttocks and shoulders. It’s a wonderful way to stretch down after a cardio or weights work out, or at any point in the day when you feel a bit tightly wound!We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to show you exac tly how to practice your downward dog pose, and how to perfect it so that you can start incorporating it into your routine.A strap can be useful when practicing this yoga pose. You can try looping your arms together just above the elbow, and use this resistance to push your shoulder blades out. This will help strengthen the upper arms and keep a strong balance.A challenging variation on downward dog is to raise up a leg behind you as you inhale. Make sure the leg is parallel to your torso, and that your hips are kept level. Hold this for 30 seconds to a minute if you can manage it, and release on an exhale. Repeat on the opposite side.You can also try using a partner for this pose, which can really help with you keep a firm V shape.By getting your partner to stand behind you holding a strap around the front of your groin, they can pull on the strap in a parallel motion to the line of your spine. This will help you push deeper into your downward dog, pushing into your pelvis and leng thening the front of your torso away from the strap.To learn how to do the downward dog and other yoga poses including the dynamic warrior pose, no need to search the Internet for yoga near me: simply head to Superprof, where any number of yoga teachers welcome you!