Uttana Shishosana


aka: Extended Puppy Pose


123

Advantages


Yes

Step Into the Pose


Come onto all fours. See that your shoulders are above your wrists and your hips are above your knees. Walk your hands forward a few inches and curl your toes under.

As you exhale, move your buttocks halfway back toward your heels. Keep your arms active; don't let your elbows touch the ground.

Drop your forehead to the floor or to a blanket and let your neck relax. Keep a slight curve in your lower back. To feel a nice long stretch in your spine, press the hands down and stretch through the arms while pulling your hips back toward your heels.

Breathe into your back, feeling the spine lengthen in both directions. Hold for 30 seconds to a minute, then release your buttocks down onto your heels.

Beginner Tips


Yes

Advanced Tips


Yes
Anatomical Focus

* Spine


Therapeutic Applications

* Stress


Benefits

* Stretches the spine and shoulders


Contraindications and Cautions

* Knee injury


Beginner's Tip
You can hold this pose longer and protect your knees and lower back by placing a rolled-up blanket or bolster between your thighs and calves.

Preparatory Poses

* Adho Mukha Svanasana
* Virasana


Follow-Up Poses

* Balasana