For many students Downward facing dog is a challenging pose to find good alignment. Tightness in the back and hamstrings threatens to pull the pelvis into a posterior pelvic tilt, while muscle imbalances in the shoulders can make it tricky to get the shoulders into place. The best place to start is as soon as the knees come off the floor. While the hips lift up and back, keep the knees bent deeply enough to find a gentle arc in the lower back. This arc should mimic the natural curve of the spine without exaggerating it. Keep the knees bent as you bring awareness to the hands. The fingers are spread out wide, with the index finger pointing forward to bring a gentle ‘turnout’ to the hand. Maintain contact on the floor with the tips of the fingers and the knuckles at the base of the fingers. Continue the turnout up the forearms to the elbows, spiralling the inner part of the elbow towards the front of the room while maintaining a soft, open joint- not locked. The upper arms will continue to spiral towards the shoulder blades. Lift the upper most part of the arm bone up and back and widen the shoulder blades while gently sliding them down the back. This allows the front of the chest to open. Now bring awareness to the front of the body. Gently draw the ribcage in so that the bottom of the ribs is in line with the top of the hips. From this very stable body begin to straighten the legs while maintaining the posture. The legs may or may not fully extend depending on tightness. Firm the thighs by lifting the kneecaps. Delicious- breathe and enjoy!

• Stretches hamstrings, calves, shoulders, and chest.
• Strengthens upper back, core, arms, legs, hands and feet.
• Stimulates the body and helps calm the mind.
• Good for digestion
• Strengthens bones

• Weight in the wrists- index fingers lifting off the mat
• Elbows locked
• Shoulders lifted towards the ears
• Head dropping
• Ribs popping
• Lack of abdominal connection
• Pelvis tucked under
• Knees locked- muscles of the legs not engaged
• Feet out of alignment

• Use caution with wrist issues- i.e., carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injury (see modifications)
• High blood pressure- though this posture can be helpful for students with high blood pressure, proceed with caution.  Watch for blood rushing to the face and shortness of breath.

• For wrist problems and tightness in the shoulders try rolling the front edge of the mat or use a blanket to elevate the wrists and decrease the angle into the hands.
• Perform Dolphin Pose, coming onto forearms

• Lift one leg in parallel holding the leg in line with the torso.  Hold for a few breaths then release and repeat on the other side.
• Lift one leg up, as above, then bend the knee and arc the leg back allowing the pelvis to rotate to the side and stacking the hips.  Try to keep the upper back and shoulders square to the floor.  Release and repeat on the other side.

• Child’s Pose – Balasana
• Standing Forward Fold- Uttanasana
• Warrior I– Virabhadrasana