Poses

Bow Pose

Dhanurasana

Backbend · intermediate

Glossary: Dhanurasana

Listen to instructions

How to

  1. Lie flat on your stomach with your arms alongside your body and legs hip-width apart.
  2. On an inhale, bend your knees and bring your heels as close to your buttocks as possible. Reach back with your hands to grasp your ankles.
  3. Ensure your knees remain hip-width apart and not splaying wider than your hips.
  4. As you inhale deeply, lift your chest off the ground, simultaneously pulling your legs up and back, bringing your thighs off the floor.
  5. Engage your core muscles, keep your neck neutral, and gaze forward or slightly upward.
  6. Hold the pose while taking deep, steady breaths, maintaining the lift and openness of your chest.
  7. To release, exhale and gently lower your chest and legs back to the floor, releasing your ankles and resting your arms alongside your body.

Benefits

Watch on yoga.org