How To Do the Downward Facing Dog Pose

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Uploaded by on Jan 29, 2010

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video.

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Ever watch a dog stretch? Then you already have a good idea of what this pose looks like—and how handy it can be for digging up bones.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Comfortable clothing suitable for stretching and moving
A calm place where you won't be distracted or disturbed
A yoga mat or folded blanket

Step 1: Kneel on mat

Kneel down on the mat on your hands and knees. Spread your fingers and align your wrists parallel to the front edge of the mat.

Tip: It's easier to align your hands properly if you visualize a straight line passing from the crease at the base of one wrist to the crease of the other.

Step 2: Lift hips up & back

Curl your toes under and lift your hips up and back, straightening your legs and bringing yourself into an upside-down, V-shaped position. There should be a 90-degree angle between your legs and your torso, and your arms should extend to the ground at the same angle as your spine.

Tip: If your hamstrings are less flexible, you may need to bend your knees to lift your hips up and back. If your shoulders are less flexible, you may not be able to extend the arms fully. Only go as far as what your body will allow.

Step 3: Keep head aligned

Keep your head aligned between your arms so you're looking at your thighs—don't let it hang down or try to raise it up.

Step 4: Deepen pose

To deepen the pose, raise your heels up slightly, lengthen your spine as you press your chest a little closer to your thighs, and then lower your heels to the mat.

Tip: If you want some extra stretching for your calf muscles, simply bend one leg at a time so you're bearing more weight on the opposite leg, and then switch. Alternate a few times.

Step 5: Breathe

Breathe deeply and evenly, focusing on expanding your chest on the inhale, and scooping the belly in on the exhale.

Step 6: Hold pose

Hold the pose for 5 to 10 breaths and come out of it when you are ready.

Step 7: Release pose

Release the pose by lowering your knees back to the mat. Good dog.

Thanks for watching How To Do the Downward Facing Dog Pose! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

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Top Comments

  • i only clicked to see funny comments but there were none 8(

  • FIRST nice ass

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All Comments (13)

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  • Step one: Meet a girl

    Step two: Buy her something expensive

    Step three: Take her back to your place

    Step four: Say something naughty

    Step five: Enjoy!

  • fuckable ass

  • me too lol

  • They knew what they were doing.

  • fire!

  • howcast just made a video about doggy style

    rofl

  • last step get a male to lie down and then suck on his dick

  • You will need a female dog to sniff.

  • yeah same here as @diagofrancis101

  • damn you @DiagoFrancis101 :D

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