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Downward-facing Dog

5 out of 5 stars
(2 Comments & Ratings)

Target Body Part: Arms, Back, Butt/Hips, Legs - Calves and Shins, Legs - Thighs, Full Body/Integrated
Primary Muscles: Trapezius (Traps), Latissimus Dorsi (Lats), Triceps, Gluteus Maximus (glutes), Hamstrings, Full Body/Integrated
Secondary Muscles:
(Synergists/Stabilizers)
Rhomboids, Rotator Cuff, Anterior and Medial Deltoids (delts), Posterior Deltoids (delts), Extensors, Serratus Anterior, Soleus, Gastrocnemius
Equipment Needed: No Equipment

Step 1

Starting Position: Come to an all-fours (quadruped) position on the floor mat, with your hands under your shoulders hands fingers facing forward. Engaging your abdominals to support the spine, step back one foot at a time, coming to a push-up position (plank). You hands should remain under your shoulders. Reposition your feet as needed to allow full extension of your body. Do no allow the ribcage or low back to sag toward the floor or the hips to hike up toward the ceiling.

 

Step 2

Upward Phase: Exhale. Shift your weight back toward the wall behind you. This will cause your hips to rise up in the air forming an inverted V position. Your head should be aligned with your spine or slightly tucked. Try not to lift the head. Press your heels toward the floor. If your hamstrings are tight, you may allow a slight bend in the knees. Work toward straight knees, reaching the heels toward the floor.

 

Step 3

Downward Phase: Inhale and return your body to the starting push-up position, maintaining the alignment of all your body segments.

Step 1

Starting Position: Kneel on an exercise mat or floor and bring your feet together behind you. Slowly bend forward to place your palms flat on the mat, positioning your hands shoulder-width apart with your fingers facing forward. Slowly lift yourself into a push-up position, shifting your hands until your shoulders are positioned directly over your hands. Reposition your feet as needed to allow full extension of your body. Stiffen your torso by contracting your core and abdominal muscles to prevent any arching in your low back or hiking of your hips towards the ceiling.

 

Step 2

Upward Phase: While maintaining a rigid torso and full extension in your arms and legs, slowly exhale and shift your weight backwards by pushing your hips backwards and upwards. Maintain your head alignment with your spine, but slowly move your head between your shoulders as your body moves backwards and attempt to push your heels towards the floor. Maintain the stiffness in your torso to prevent the tendency of your back to arch. Continue moving until your body forms an inverted-V, keeping both arms and legs extended and a neutral (flat) spine. Allow a slight bend in the knees if required to achieve the inverted-V position.

 

Step 3

Downward Phase: Inhale and return your body to the starting push-up position, maintaining the alignment of all your body segments.



For professional guidance in your exercise program,
find an ACE-certified Personal Trainer in your area. Before beginning any fitness program, always see a qualified healthcare provider for advice and to address any questions or concerns. The exercises presented on this website are for suggestion only and should not be substituted for medical diagnosis or treatment. Participate at your own risk and stop if you feel faint or experience shortness of breath.







Comments & Ratings

Average Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
(2 Comments & Ratings)

00
Rated by: Stephanie (ACE-certified Professional)

Would Recommend this to others?: Definitely

Comments: Great exercise.

Reviewed on: 8/20/2009 5:28:09 PM PT
00
Rated by: Santokh (ACE-certified Professional)

Would Recommend this to others?: Definitely

Comments: Perfroming this asana correctly is key to the flow of the sunsalutation and is a wonderful way to connect poses held for 72 seconds. It gets the energy flowing and is a natural physical and mental/emotional release from a held asana.

Reviewed on: 6/11/2009 7:27:44 AM PT
 
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