Yoga Quick Tips: Chaturanga Dandasana

It isn’t everyone’s favorite yoga pose.

Photo by Elina Fairytale from Pexels

Chaturanga Dandasana is an excellent — and common — yoga pose to build upper body strength, but it’s harder than it looks. Here are some tips to do it safely.

Basic Cues: Start in a high plank or push-up position, with the shoulders, elbows, and hands stacked. Engage your core, roll forward slightly, and lower down until the elbows are at a 90-degree angle. Follow with upward-facing dog.

Tips:

• Use your knees: Chaturanga takes a lot of upper body strength. If it’s tough to hold the position, feel free to come down onto your knees.
• Hug your elbows in: Keeping your elbows tight to your ribs can help prevent shoulder injuries.
• Watch the neck and shoulders: Draw your shoulder blades together — don’t hunch them. Make the sure the neck isn’t strained.