This pose is a classic for a reason – it stretches out nearly every muscle in your body. It's especially great for improving your flexibility and relieving stress. Downward Dog is a great pose to do at the beginning of class or after you've held other poses for some time. It will help stretch your muscles and get them warmed up so that they are more flexible when doing other poses later in class.
Also Known As: Downward Dog, Downdog
Targets: Hamstring and calf stretch, mild inversion
Level: Beginner
This pose is excellent for stretching out the spine, hamstrings, and calves. It also helps to energize the body and calm the mind.
To do the Downward-Facing Dog Pose, start in a tabletop position with your hands directly below your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips.
Exhale as you lift your hips up and back, extending your spine and legs. Keep your head hanging down between your arms. Hold for a few breaths, then release and come back to the tabletop position.
