Shoulder Stand Yoga Pose

Description

How to Do Shoulder Stand Yoga Pose

1. 1
   Setup

   Lie flat on your back with your arms alongside your body, palms facing down. Keep your legs extended and together.

2. 2
   Setup

   Press your palms into the floor as you lift your legs towards the ceiling, bringing your hips off the mat.

3. 3

   Bend your elbows and place your hands on your lower back for support, with fingers pointing upwards towards your hips.

4. 4

   Straighten your body, extending your legs vertically towards the ceiling, stacking your hips directly over your shoulders and keeping your neck relaxed.

5. 5

   Hold the pose, breathing deeply and evenly, maintaining a straight line from your shoulders to your toes.

6. 6

   To exit, slowly lower your hips and legs back to the mat, using your core strength and keeping your head on the floor.

Tips

• Place a folded blanket under your shoulders to provide cushioning and reduce pressure on your neck, ensuring your head remains on the floor.
• Keep your elbows as close together as possible under your back to create a stable base of support for your torso.
• Engage your core and glutes to maintain a straight line from your shoulders to your heels, preventing your body from swaying.
• Gaze softly towards your toes or close your eyes to help maintain focus and balance during the hold.

Common Mistakes

• ×Looking around or turning your head: Keep your neck long and gaze fixed upwards or close your eyes to protect your cervical spine from injury.
• ×Hips not stacked over shoulders: Actively press your hands into your lower back to help align your hips directly above your shoulders, creating a vertical line.
• ×Bent knees or floppy feet: Actively extend through your heels and engage your quadriceps to keep your legs straight and strong, reaching towards the ceiling.