5/365

Below are some pictures Scott took for me the other night while I was working on some backbends, etc. He is also doing a 365 blog, but for photography. So he got to working on some lighting techniques while I attempted (key word here)to work on my backbends. We had fun and both got our blog posts done for Day 5/365!!


Prepping for a back bend with my hands at hearts center. Take 5 deep and even breath's here, feeling grounded


Once you feel grounded allow your hands to go straight out behind you with your arms parallell with your ears next to your head. By now you might be feeling the stretch in the front of your hips. If it is too much pressure on your back come up to standing and work on the previous pose before going any further or consider Camel Pose on the ground as another option to prep your back?
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Once you have dropped back into Upward Bow/Backbend/Urdhva Dhanurasana hold there for 5 deep and even breaths. Feel free to drop your head to the ground once and come back up to your backbend. Try this 3 times.

Or slowly start off with one at a time and work yourself up to three? All the while keeping your feet hip width distance apart with toes pointed forward, weight evenly distributed making sure to not dump into your low back. Try to find opening in the front of your hips by gently pushing with your feet and straightening your legs.

Opening your chest will happen progressively as you push through your hands dropping your head back. Slowly and gently gets you there. I'm still working on it, believe me it's not easy and these pictures are not perfect by any means:)



After a backbend stretch such as Urdhva Dhanurasana. A forward bend (Paschimottanasana A) is a great relief and allows your spine to lengthen. This one is slightly modified with a bend in my knees. Leading with your sternum. Keep both legs active with your heels moving ahead and toes pulling back.


I definitely recommend a good 15 minute warm up before attempting any of the above so you lessen the chance of injuring yourself. I usually do 4-5 Surya Namaskara A & B's prior to any asanas. These allow the body to gain heat and warmth. Setting the rhythm and mood for each yoga session.

"Allow your practice to mature gradually. Be patient and enjoy the journey". -David Swenson.