Cobra (Bhujangasana)

Benefits:

• Strengthens the back

• Tones the buttocks

• Stretches the chest and abdomen

• Increases circulation

Steps:

• Lie facedown with your forehead on the mat, feet close together, toes pointing

• Place your hands under your shoulders, palms down and draw your elbows back

• Ground your pelvis down into your mat

• Inhale, raise your head and chest (keep your neck in a neutral position)

• Exhale, press down through your hands, engaging your triceps, but keeping your arms bent and navel on the floor.

• Press your shoulders down away from your ears

• Stay here for 3-4 slow smooth breaths

• On your next exhale, slowly release your upper body back onto the floor

• Place your hands under your shoulders and press back into Child’s Pose (see below for description of pose) for counter pose (see photo)

Repeat 3 more times