Yogasana: Down and Low #atozchallenge

My theme for this year’s  #atozchallenge is – 26 Yogasana. So brace yourself for 26 days of stretching, backbends and inversions, as I take you along my upside down evenings, sincerely hoping that you will find these posts helpful 🙂

Chaturanga Dandasana – Low Plank

It might look all nice and calm but as soon as I transition into this pose there are numerous thoughts flying in my head – keep elbows perpendicular, body straight, core … engage core… breathe… don’t forget to breathe. If you have just started doing this, I can only say keep practicing. Don’t lose heart, because like all other poses, this too comes over a period of time, when your arms become stronger and is able to hold the weight.

My Chaturanga Dandasana is still in progress as I am trying to build more strength in my arms to go a bit lower without losing the alignment.

Lean only as much as you can. Don’t force yourself as you might end up collapsing your chest which can lead to improper alignment. Keeping a Yoga block beneath the chest is also a great way to keep your body straight. Here’s a great article I found – here

Another option is to practice this on your knees, similar to knee push ups.

I have noticed that you can do pushups more easily when your elbows are flared out. Being the Yoga girl that I am, I keep my elbows closer to the body, which makes the pushups a tad difficult. And this, is the biggest contention between my husband and I as we both argue on the correct way to do push ups. 😛


 

Disclaimer: I am not an Instructor or Yoga teacher, only a regular Hatha Yoga practitioner who is passionate about fitness. I am writing this series to detail my learning and experience during the practice. Please consult a Physician/Doctor before starting any exercise regime as some of the poses might contradict with your existing medical issues, for example injuries related to spinal cord, knee, ankle, wrists, neck, medical conditions like Migraine, Diabetics, Asthma etc.

 

Stay Strong and Humble! Namaste.

Previous Posts:
A: Always Stretch – Anjaneyasana
B: Being a Wannabe Crow
C: Chakrasana

20 thoughts on “Yogasana: Down and Low #atozchallenge

  1. I always liked doing planks as they worked so many muscle groups at once, but I can’t do them much anymore. I developed arthritis in the joint between my sternum and collarbone and the weight bearing is difficult.I mostly do this one with my knees down now and still can’t hold it for very long. Donna Girl Who Reads

  2. Finally something that i can say I can do – I do planks at times to engage the core – ut only till the plank position – no push ups!

  3. My husband and Gy love planks. Because they can actually DO them, you see 😛 Me, I shall watch and cheer them on. Nope, not going to try this even though I love you very very much 😉

  4. I have a weak back, so I’m generally wary about asanas that could put pressure on my back. This one requires a lot of effort in keeping the back absolutely straight I guess. Love your dedication for yoga. 🙂

Let’s keep the conversation flowing!