Strike a [Yoga] Pose: Downward-Facing Dog

In honor of my awesome adaptive/gentle/restorative yoga class that I’ll be taking today, I thought I’d shine a spotlight on everyone’s favorite pose, downward-facing dog (Sanskrit: Adho Mukha Svanasana). No matter what type of yoga class you take (or if you practice at home), you will run into this resting posture. Yes, it really is a resting posture, even though at first it seems like the hardest pose ever! Thankfully it does get easier as strength improves.

I really like this pose because you can modify it in several different ways, like deeply bending your knees or placing your knees on the mat for puppy pose, for example. You can also further work on your strength by placing both forearms on the ground for dolphin pose, or raise a leg for one-legged downward-facing dog (Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana).

According to Yoga Journal, this asana has quite a few benefits, from being energizing to improving digestion. I have a Kino MacGregor video that shows how to do this foundational pose.

Other Resources about Bridge/Wheel Pose

• Yoga Journal general info
• 3 Ways to Make Downward-Facing Dog Feel Better for You (Bad Yogi/Erin Motz)
• Yoga with Adriene Downward-Facing Dog Pose (video)

Other “Strike a [Yoga] Pose” Posts

• Tree Pose
• Crow Pose
• Half-Moon Pose
• Bridge Pose

Does downward-facing dog make you feel energized?

Do you prefer to modify this pose? How?

This post is linked up for Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie at The Fit Foodie Mama, Angelena Marie from  Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced, Upala at Pretty in Pink Fitness, and Amber at Bold Fit Mom

Author: Whitney

Runner. Cook. Editor. Blogger. French Fry Connoiseur. View all posts by Whitney