cobra / bhujangasana

Cobra opens the chest and strengthens the core body. Cobra aligns the spine and invigorates the kidneys and nervous system.

Lie on your belly, with the chin on the floor, palms flat on the floor under the shoulders and legs together.

Pull up the knee caps, squeeze the thighs and buttocks, engage mula bandha, and press the pubic bone down into the floor.

Without using the arms, inhale and lift the head and chest off of the floor, keeping the neck in line with the spine.

With the elbows close to your sides, press down into the palms and use the arms to lift you up even higher. Drop the shoulders down and back and press the chest forward. Keep the legs, buttocks, and mula bandha strong, and keep the pubic bone pressing down into the floor.

Breathe and hold for 2-6 breaths.

To release: exhale and slowly lower the chest and head to the floor. Turn the head to one side, slide the arms alongside your body and rest.

If there is strain in the low back: bend the elbows, walk the hands forward, or come down on your forearms.

Recent or chronic injury to the knees, back, arms or shoulders, pregnancy or recent abdominal surgery.

bow, locust, boat, plank, down dog, child.

Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.

Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.