Striking Cobra

Shashank Bhujangasana

shah-shahnk bhoo-jahng-AH-sah-nah

Pose categories

Back bends, Core, Forward bends, Warm-ups

Primary body parts engaged

Abs, Obliques, Shoulders, Spine

Secondary

Biceps, Middle Back / Lats, Triceps, Wrists

Improves spinal flexibility and core strength

Tones reproductive system, liver and kidneys

Develops breath control

How to perform striking cobra

Begin in Extended Child’s Pose: sit back on your heels and reach your arms in front of you. Bring your hands shoulder-width apart.
With an inhale, lift your hips, bend your elbows and slide your chest forward along the floor. Then press into your hands and reach your chest forward and up, coming into Extended Cobra.
With an exhale, lift your hips and push yourself back into Extended Child’s Pose.
Repeat this movement.

Alignment cues

Keep hands fixed to floor shoulder-width apart
Draw shoulders away from ears
Keep elbows bent
Inhale, slide forward
Exhale, push back

Modification: Rise only into Low Cobra, keeping your belly on the floor and elbows bent.

More yoga poses to discover

Wind Release · Pavanmuktasana

Half Moon · Ardha Chandrasana

Reclining Hero · Supta Virasana

Browse all yoga poses

Striking cobra (Shashank Bhujangasana in Sanskrit) is a beginner yoga pose that belongs to the back bends and core and forward bends and warm-ups categories. This asana targets abs and obliques and shoulders and spine and also involves biceps and middle back / lats and triceps and wrists muscles. Striking cobra 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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