Four Limbed Staff Pose

Chaturanga

Level:
Intermediate
Pronunciation:
(chaht-tour-ANG-ah don-DAHS-anna)

Instructions

1. From Standing Forward Fold, step or jump both feet back 4-5 feet into a push-up position.

2. Spread the fingers wide apart with the middle finger pointing forward, press into the palms with the arms are straight. Tuck the tailbone under so the legs, hips and torso are one straight line. Press the crown of the head forward and with the toes tucked, press the heels back.

3. Exhale and keep the body in a straight line as you lower down towards the floor, holding 4-6 inches above the floor. Have a 90 degree bend in the elbows and keep the shoulders at the same height as the elbows.

4.  Breathe and hold for 1-4 breaths.

5. To release: either inhale up to plank pose or exhale all the way down to the floor.

Benefits + Contraindications

Benefits: Chaturanga builds upper and core body strength, lengthens the spine and strengthens the low back muscles.

Contraindications: Recent or chronic injury to the arms, back or shoulders.

Modifications + Variations

Modifications: Bend both knees to the floor.

Vinyasa

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence leading up to this pose: Plank, Upward Forward Fold, High Lunge.

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence ending after this pose: Upward Facing Dog or other prone poses, Plank.

 

Share with

Friends & Students

Explore More

Core Strengthening Poses
  • Tiger yoga pose • vyaghrasana

    Tiger

  • Shiva Twist • parivrtta natarajasana

    Shiva Twist

  • Upward Boat / Paripurna Navasana

    Upward Boat

  • One Leg Boat

    One Leg Boat

  • Warrior 3 Yoga Pose • virabhadrasana III

    Warrior III

  • Balancing Table Pose • dandayamna bharmanasana

    Balancing Table

  • low plank • ardha Phalakasana

    Low Plank

  • One Leg Downward Facing Dog • Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana

    One Leg Downward Facing Dog

Remove Ads with a

Premium Membership

Viewing ads supports YogaBasics, which allows us to continue bringing you quality yoga content. Sign up for a premium membership to remove all ads and enjoy uninterrupted access to the best yoga resources on the web.

Categories for Four Limbed Staff Pose

Asana Type

Focus

Chakras

Elements

Explore More

Yoga TipsAdviceArticlesPracticesBasicsTechniques

  • Home Yoga Studio

    15 Tips for Creating an Amazing Home Yoga Studio

  • Tips to Sit Cross-Legged

    Tips to Be Comfortable Sitting in a Cross-Legged Position

  • Restarting a yoga practice

    11 Ways to Reboot Your Yoga Practice

  • Yoga Intentions, Goals, Resolutions & Affirmations

    Choosing Intentions, Resolutions & Affirmations for Positive Change

  • Yoga for exercise

    Is Yoga Enough for Your Exercise and Fitness Needs?

  • Practice yoga fast or slow

    Fast or Slow? How to Find Your Yoga Flow

  • Aerial Yoga

    Lifting Off with Aerial Yoga: Definition, Benefits and Tips

  • yoga etiquette

    7 Tips For Minding Your Yoga Manners

  • Yoga for Your Body Shape

    Find the Best Yoga for Your Body Shape

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yoga Basics