Bridge

How To

This pose offers a nice stretch for the upper and front body — chest, shoulders, neck, spine, front legs — and is a strengthening pose for the back body — back, buttocks, and hamstrings. It also stimulates and massages the abdominal organs, which helps to improve digestion.

• Lay down on your back with bent knees, make sure that your heels are aligned with your knees.
• Place your hands (palms) on the floor next to your hips, make sure that your elbows are straight and you're looking up at the ceiling. Start pushing with your feet down, lifting your hips up as you squeeze your bottom in.
• Feel free to interlock your hands under your hips if that feels good, as that can open up the stretch a bit more.
• Breathe in as you watch your belly go up and down. You can focus on the holds or the reps, whatever you prefer.

Tips

Tip 1

Keep your shoulder blades drawn together as you extend your arms beneath your torso. Do not turn your head to the right or left when you're in the pose, as that could cause neck injury.