Upward dog

Starting Position Lie flat on your stomach with your legs extended. Place the palms of your hands directly under the shoulders, fingertips pointing forward.

Action Slowly straighten your arms, pushing your chest and torso away from the floor beneath you. Relax your abdominals and pull the shoulders away from the ears. Look slightly upward towards the ceiling.

Breathe deeply and hold for 10-30 seconds.

Special Instructions Stretch to the point of "mild discomfort," not to the point of pain. Never bounce. Reduce the intensity of this stretch by not straightening the arms as much (or by placing your elbows on the floor instead of your hands). This is a good compliment to "Child’s Pose" stretch.

Muscles Stretched: Abs