Featured
Shoulderstand
Sugar Editorial Picks
Partner Yoga Pose: Shoulderstand on Bridge
Some partner yoga poses are a little more challenging than others like this one — Shoulderstand on Bridge. It requires strength for the person on the bottom to hold the Half Wheel and it also requires balance for the person on top to hold Shoulderstand. Since this pose involves one person being upside down, it also requires trust and communication.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Inversions
Inversions, in yoga, are the poses where you put your feet above your head. Meant to give your mind a new perspective, they allow blood to flow to your head to improve circulation, which can cure headaches and help relieve depression. Going upside down also increases strength in your upper arms, back, and abdomen.
Yoga Inversions and Your "Moon Time"
Not all women feel the same during menstruation. Some feel like sitting on the couch cuddled up with a heating pad and a pint of Ben & Jerry's, and others have tons of energy to go for a run. I'm a firm believer in listening to your body, but I also know that a little exercise can help alleviate cramps (and your rotten mood).
Strike a Yoga Pose: Shoulderstand
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.
Other Search Results
Partner Yoga Pose: Supported Shoulderstand Child's Pose
I love partner yoga poses that allow you to use your partner's body to help you relax and Supported Shoulderstand Child's Pose is one of those poses. It's similar to Double Child, but I like this one better because partners alternate between doing an energetic inversion and a lower-back stretch.
Want to know how to do this pose?
Partner Yoga Pose: Double Bridge
If you're looking to increase flexibility in your neck and spine, half wheel is the pose to do. It also tones your glutes, hamstrings, and quads, so it's a great pose to include in your stretching routine. To make it slightly more challenging and offer support to a friend doing a modified shoulderstand, do this pose called double bridge.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Ear Pressure
I love how Shoulderstand pose stretches out the back of my neck, and I love to do the Ear Pressure pose to deepen the stretch. It stretches your entire spine brilliantly, and because your knees are pressed against your ears, you drown out all outside sounds and can really bring your awareness inward.
Sanskrit Name: Karnapidasana
English Translation: Ear Pressure Pose
Also Called: Knees to Ears
Want to give it a try?
Strike a Pose: Closing Sequence
The Closing Sequence of Ashtanga Yoga is a powerful and grounding way to end a vigorous class. These particular poses are not limited to just Ashatanga; you can find many of them in other styles of yoga as well. So if you practice yoga, it's good to be familiar with this popular sequence.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Extended Fish
After doing Shoulderstand, it feels great to open up your throat and stretch through the front of your body in Fish pose. Here's a variation called Extended Fish. Not only does it stretch out your throat and chest, but it also works your abs and increases flexibility in your spine.
Strike a Pose: Embryo
I love poses that really stretch out your spine, and this pose called Embryo will give you an amazing stretch from your neck to your tailbone. It's one the postures of the Ashtanga closing sequence, but you'll find it in other yoga classes as well.
Sanskrit Name: Pindasana
English Translation: Embryo Pose
Also Called: Baby Pose
Want to see how to get into it?
More on FitSugar
Fall Award Season
Top Brands
Shiseido
Notify Jeans
Levi's