how to do bhujangasana - #22345
I am struggling with my yoga routine lately, and I keep hearing about bhujangasana and its benefits, but I have no idea how to do bhujangasana right. Like, I tried it this morning, and honestly, I just kind of flopped on the mat. My back feels stiff from sitting too much all week, and I thought, maybe this pose can help? I looked up some videos but they all make it look super easy but then I'm like, how do I even get into position? Should I start lying down or what? And, do I need to breathe in a specific way while doing bhujangasana? Like, I heard it’s great for spine flexibility but my spine feels like a big, old, rusty pipe, not flexible at all! I've tried a couple of times today but ending up like half on the floor, it’s embarrassing haha. Can someone plain and simple explain how to do bhujangasana without all the fancy talk? Like, tips or even common mistakes people make when trying to do bhujangasana? I really wanna make it part of my daily routine but don’t know if I’m even close to doing it right. Any advice or personal experiences would be super helpful!
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Doctors' responses
Starting with bhujangasana, also known as the Cobra Pose, from lying down is a good approach, especially when you have a stiff back. Here’s a straightforward way to do it: Lie on your stomach with your legs extended straight back and your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands flat on the ground next to your chest, elbows close and angled towards the body. As you prepare to lift, focus on engaging your core muscles and begin the movement by slowly inhaling—this breathing technique aids in relaxation and control during the pose. Press the tops of your feet into the mat as you gently lift your chest away from the ground using your back muscles, not just your hands. Allow your gaze to shift slightly upward but take care not to compress your neck. Keep your elbows slightly bent, don’t lock them out—this helps maintain a gentle curve in the back allowing for a bit more control over the movement and preventing overextension. As you bring awareness to your spine, assess how it feels; listen if it’s calling for a bit more or slightly less, in terms of stretch or tension. When returning to the starting position, exhale slowly as you gently lower back down to the mat. Stretching is about balance: it’s important not to force the bend if your back feels extremely stiff. Instead, each day can introduce a bit more movement as comfort and flexibility improve. Common mistakes include lifting too high too quickly, which might strain the lower back, or using only the arms which can detract from the core-strengthening benefits of the pose. Consistency over intensity works better, especially if adding bhujangasana to a routine aimed at improving general spinal flexibility. If stiffness persists, balance with other stretches or consult a healthcare provider to evaluate whether muscle tension or posture requirements need addressing.
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