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Wheel
Strike a Yoga Pose: Wheel
In Ashtanga yoga, right before you go into the closing sequence, you do the Wheel, aka backbend. This is one of my favorite poses because not only does it increase flexibility in your spine, but it also opens up your shoulders and strengthens your upper back and thighs.
Sanskrit Name: Urdhva Dhanurasana
English Translation: Upward Bow Pose
Also Called: Wheel or Full Backbend
Want to know a great trick for getting into this pose?
Chakras 101
In Sanskrit the word Chakra means "wheel" or "circle." There are 7 chakras connected to major nerve ganglia from the base of the spine to the crown of your head.
It is believed that God, Divine Energy, Spirit, Jesus - whatever you choose to call it,
creates prana or energy.
Favorite Wheel
I truly appreciate the few brave backbenders who shared their photos in the 2nd Yoga challenge in the YOGA CHALLENGE Group. They were awesome.
I really loved Scratch5's blog entry because she said it was "oddly exhilarating and hard."
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Strike a Yoga Pose: Half Wheel
Backbending poses are great for opening your heart and chest, both figuratively and literally. I love this particular backbend because not only does it increase flexibility in your spine, but it also stretches out your shoulders and the back of your neck. Because it doesn't require a lot of energy, it has both a calming and energetic effect on the body and mind.
YOGA CHALLENGE: Wheel
Ok, let's all take a deep breath here, and start off a little slower. I admit it, that first challenge was way out there, so try this one out. You might know it as a back bend but in yoga, it is known as the Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana).
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