Go With The Flow

June 10, 2015

Caption: Inner Spring Yoga instructors Carrie Klaus (front and left) and Lydia Lagenour demonstrate Downward Facing Dog.

Remember the days when summertime was reserved for relaxing? Neither do we. That’s why we asked Carrie Klaus, who co-owns Inner Spring Yoga with her husband Rob, to help us chill out, if even for a moment. Here, Carrie shares the steps to achieving Downward Facing Dog, one of the most recognized yoga poses, and its benefits.

Downward Facing Dog

(Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Begin by kneeling on hands and knees with hips stacked directly over knees and hands slightly forward of shoulders. Spread the fingers wide with the middle finger pointing forward and the creases of the wrists parallel to the front edge of your mat. Press firmly into the base of your first finger and thumb.

Lift your knees from the floor, taking your hips up and back. Begin with your knees slightly bent, lengthening your spine and tilting the tip of your sacrum (the bone at the base of your spine) toward the ceiling. Press the tops of your thighs back and straighten the legs by stretching your heels toward the floor.

Lift along the inner arm and widen your shoulder blades by turning your armpits toward one another. Draw your shoulder blades toward your tailbone. Relax the back of your neck and let your head hang between your arms with your ears in line with your upper arms. (Tip: If your shoulders are tight you can lift your hands onto yoga blocks.)

Benefits