Sphinx
Salamba Bhujangasana
SHAHL-ahm-bah bhoo-jahng-AH-sah-nah
Stretches back, opens chest
Stimulates abdominal organs, strengthens lungs
Relieves stress
How to perform sphinx
- Lie on your stomach. Bring your feet hip distance wide, toes untucked. Align your elbows under your shoulders, forearms parallel and fingers spread wide.
- Peel your head and chest from the floor with an inhale. Release your shoulders down your back and press your chest forward. Gaze forward.
- Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths.
- Lower with an exhale.
Alignment cues
- Feet hip distance wide
- Draw shoulders down
- Press chest forward
- Forearms parallel
Avoid this pose if you have acute back injury.
More yoga poses to discover
Sphinx (Salamba Bhujangasana in Sanskrit) is a beginner yoga pose that belongs to the back bends categories. This asana targets lower back and middle back / lats and shoulders and spine and also involves abs and chest muscles. Sphinx stretches and strengthens legs, opens chest; rejuvenates abdominal organs and also reduces fatigue, increases energy. Refer to the illustration and instructions above for how to perform this posture correctly. Discover more yoga asanas and yogic breathing exercises in our free yoga pose directory.
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