Getting into yoga and want to know how to do a perfect downward dog yoga, otherwise known as the doggy yoga pose? Here’s all you need to be a boss at it in 2023!
The Adho mukhasvana is one of the most basic poses in hatha yoga which you can practice through out your life. The adho means down or toward the ground and mukhah means shoulder so this doggy yoga pose is all about opening up our chest region and stretching the shoulders. This particular posture also helps us to release tension from our neck, back and legs. In my opinion, yoga has been getting a lot of negative publicity as of late but if practiced properly will bring many long term benefits. So let me start with what each individual face before they begin their journey around the world of yoga because there are different goals that come along with it. Some people have already started working on achieving flexibility while others still believe that yoga is only good for looking beautiful without actually improving ones quality of living. Let’s be honest – we live in an age where having abs is cool and being able to touch your toes isn’t necessarily seen as something special. Everyone wants these things and everyone should strive to achieve them since it improves overall health and well-being.
Doggy
The downward dog is probably the best known yoga postures and I’m sure you’ve heard of it by now. It’s basically when you’re standing straight up with both feet together and then bending forward at the hips until your body forms a 90 degree angle between your knees and ankles. You’ll notice that your arms are stretched above your head and your hands are placed directly under your shoulders. If you look closely, you’ll see that your fingers point towards the floor. Your palms should always remain facing upwards even though your elbows may bend slightly. When doing this doggy yoga pose make sure not to lock any joints such as your knee caps or ankle bones otherwise you could injure yourself. Once you feel comfortable enough with this position, try moving your right foot closer to your left leg and vice versa. That way you’ll get more stretch in your hamstrings and calves muscles.
Doggy Yoga Pose For Beginners
If you’re new to yoga, don’t worry! There are plenty of beginner friendly doggy yoga pose that won’t require much effort. All you need to do is focus on breathing deeply and slowly throughout the entire exercise. Try practicing some simple stretches like the cat/cow pose first and once you feel confident enough, move onto other exercises. Remember to breathe deeply during every single movement and never force anything. Yoga is meant to be enjoyed and done naturally. Don’t forget to drink lots of water too!
How To Do Downward Dog Pose Properly
To perform the downward doggy yoga pose correctly, stand upright with your feet hip width apart. Bend over at the waist and place your fingertips flat on the mat below your shoulders. Next step would be to lift your torso off the floor by pushing your butt backwards and keeping your spine neutral. Make sure that your weight stays evenly distributed across your whole body. Now take a deep breath and exhale completely. As you inhale, raise your arms above your head and keep them close to your ears. Exhaling again, lower your arms back down to your sides. Repeat this process several times and gradually increase the number of repetitions.
Health Benefits Of Doing A Perfect Downward Dog Pose
There are numerous health benefits associated with performing the downward doggy yoga pose. First of all, it strengthens your core muscles including your abdominal area, obliques, glutes and thighs. Secondly, it increases blood flow to those areas making them stronger and healthier. Thirdly, it reduces stress levels and anxiety. Lastly, it promotes better sleep patterns. Overall, this doggy yoga pose is great for beginners who want to improve their strength and balance.
Benefits Of Practicing Downward Dog Pose
There are countless reasons why you should incorporate the downward dog into your daily routine, including:
- Strengthens your legs, abs, and upper body Improves posture.
- Reduces tension Increases flexibility.
- Promotes relaxation.
- Helps relieve pain.
- Relieves depression.
- Boosts energy.
- Enhances concentration.
- Builds confidence.
- Makes you happier.
- Stretches out tightness in your neck, shoulder, and back.
- Relaxes tense muscles .
- Massages internal organs.
- Deepens breathing.
- Fosters self-awareness.
- Gives you an overall sense of well being.
- Better posture in your shoulder blades.
The list goes on, there’s really no reason not to include the downward dog into your daily routine.
Do I Need to Go to Yoga Class?
Going to a yoga class can be fun and lead to interesting connections, however if your goal is simply to practice yoga, then you can do it at home using a yoga mat or blanket as a prop. You’ll also find that doing yoga at home will help you get more comfortable with your own body before moving on to more advanced postures. If you have any injuries, make sure to consult your doctor before starting a workout program. Also remember to always warm up properly before working out so that you avoid injury.
What Is The Best Way To Practice Yoga At Home?
The best way to practice yoga at home is to start slow and build from there. Start with just 5 minutes per day and work your way up until you reach 20 minutes. Once you’ve reached that amount of time, try increasing it another 10 minutes each week. It’s important not to push yourself too hard when beginning because you may injure yourself. Instead, concentrate on relaxing and focusing on your breathing. When you begin to notice improvements in your physical state, add one additional minute to your session. This method allows you to progress safely without risking injury.
Downward Dog Yoga Posture Tips And Tricks
When learning how to do the downward doggy yoga pose, it helps to know what makes it unique compared to other yoga positions. In order to achieve proper alignment while standing in the position, you must maintain good form. Your knees should remain slightly bent and your toes pointed forward. Keep your hips level and aligned directly under your shoulders. Finally, ensure that your hands stay firmly planted on the ground next to your chest. These tips will allow you to master the perfect downward doggy yoga pose. Have a look here for some clear visuals on the downward dog.