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Step by Step Cobra Pose

(4 Reviews)
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Fiji unpacks the key elements of this deceptively simple backbend that is the cornerstone posture for practicing safe backbends and developing a strong and stable back body.

To learn more about how the spine functions in poses like this one, check out Fiji's online course, Anatomy of the Spine, which is one of 30 courses that make up our online/in-person 250-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program.

PriyaYogini
August 13, 2024
Comment:

How do you breathe? Do you practice lateral breathing in this asana? When you come up you breathe out and when you go down you breathe out?
I notice i am using a lot of arm strength to get myself up and that i belly breathe which is difficult in this pose

Comment Replies

Fiji McAlpine
August 14, 2024
Comment:

These are all great questions, and I would answer both yes in a general way. We are practicing moving the activity of breathing into the full circumference of the lungs in yoga, which is required when we compress the belly. If moving in and out of the pose with one breath you can inhale as you rise and exhale as you fall. To shift from the arm support, hug you elbows in and pull them down towards your hips. This will start to activate the muscles on the back that are being strengthened here.

Sandy Parkers
May 1, 2022
Comment:

Wow! I hadn't realized how many elements I was missing! Now I have a much better understanding and am working on a stronger back.

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