by POPSUGAR Fitness 7

OK, so maybe Double Arm Headstand wasn't the pose for you. Here's another inversion that requires less balance and is actually a really relaxing pose. It's great for stretching out the back of your neck and your upper back, two areas that rarely get stretched.

Sanskrit Name: Salamba Sarvangasana English Translation: All limbs with support Also Called: Shoulderstand

Want to hear a detailed description of how to get into Shoulderstand? Then read more

• Begin lying on your back on a mat or rug. Come into Plow with your feet over your head and your hips over your shoulders.
• Bring your hands to your lower back, fingertips pointing up towards the ceiling. Keep your elbows on the ground, and try to bring them as close together as you can so they are in line with your shoulders.
• When you're ready, slowly lift one leg straight up, and then the other. Eventually you want your shoulders, hips and feet in one line.
• Try to keep your body completely relaxed, and don't clench your butt muscles. If you find it difficult to breathe (bigger breasted women have this complaint), just shift your hips away from your head a few inches.
• If you're feeling any pressure in your neck, press the back of your head into the ground. Do NOT move your head to either side, just keep it in line with your spine to prevent straining a muscle.
• Stay here for ten or more breaths, and when you've had enough, you can slowly lower your feet back down towards the ground, coming into Plow pose. From here, you can slowly bend your knees, and shift your hips down to the floor, hugging your knees into your chest.

Since this pose is an inversion, you'll feel a burst of energy from the blood rushing to your brain. That also means if you try and stand up too quickly after doing this pose, you may feel a little dizzy (I've even seen stars before). So be sure to take your time coming out of this pose.