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. Breathe and hold for 1-4 breaths.
4. To release: either bend the knees to the floor into Child pose, or bend the elbows and lower down into Kataranga.
Benefits + Contraindications
Benefits: Plank pose builds upper and core body strength, lengthens the spine and strengthens the low back muscles.
Contradictions: Recent or chronic injury to the arms, back or shoulders.
Modifications + Variations
Modifications: Bend both knees to the floor.
Variations: To build more core strength use the Low Plank variation.
Vinyasa
Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence leading up to this pose: Standing Forward Fold, Downward Dog, High Lunge.
Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence ending after this pose: Kataranga, Upward Facing Dog, Child, High Lunge, Table.
Other Names
This pose is also known as Kumbhakasana or Santolasana.
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Without intention, all these postures, these breathing practices, meditations, and the like can become little more than ineffectual gestures. When animated by intention, however, the simplest movement, the briefest meditation, and the contents of one breath cycle are made potent. Donna Farhi |
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