Day 17: Cobra Pose

Bhujangasana, Cobra Pose

There are many different variations of Cobra Pose, and the one that we practice is very specifically targeting your lower back. This is why we have you zip your legs up “like a cobra tail” (we know, Cobras do not have tails). At first, a couple of things might be happening. 1) You might not be able to keep your legs together, or doing so might cause too much pressure in your lower back. If this is happening, keep your legs as close together as possible by energetically pressing them together AND use your muscles! Tighten up your thighs so that your kneecaps lift off to the ground and firm up your glutes . 2) You also may not be able to lift your upper body up until only your belly button is touching the floor. If this is happening, you can use your hands to help you lift up to your belly button. Over time, you will develop enough strength and flexibility to keep your legs engaged and together “solid one piece” and you will be able to backbend enough to get your entire upper body off of the floor using only your 100% back strength!

Benefits of Cobra Pose include:

• Increases spine strength, especially in the lower spine.

• Increases spine flexibility.

• Relieves and prevents lower back pain.

• Improves posture.

• Improves digestion.

• Improves kidney, liver, and spleen function.

• Strengthens the deltoids, trapezius, and triceps muscles in the upper body.