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Until about four years ago, I thought Yoga was a waste of time. My Type-A, monkey brain couldn’t handle the slow pace of poses held, well, forever. Then I discovered “power yoga,” and my mind was forever changed, along with my body. Turns out, when you run, and run, and run, the range of motion in your joints becomes limited. Thanks to yoga – specifically, downward facing dog, also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana – I can still run, and run, and run. According to my yoga instructor, Loretta, I have better range of motion than most runners (insert smiley face). Thanks Yoga!
The benefits of Downward facing dog
Provides a good stretch to the upper body, especially the shoulder complex and upper back, as well as the hamstrings and calves. Done correctly, you’ll also notice a nice stretch from your palms to your fingertips, as well as the heel of the foot to the toes.
Experts say this pose improves digestion, helps slow down the central nervous system (thus, reducing stress), and is supposed to help relieve headaches and lower back pain.

The pose
You can begin Downward Dog on your hands and knees, or from a standing position, or following Chaturanga and Cobra poses.
Begin with feet hip-width a apart and place hands on the floor slightly in front of the shoulders.
Exhale, lift your hips, and push your hamstrings away from the floor. Keeping your spine long, lift your tush toward the ceiling, gently nudge your heels toward the floor (it is okay to have a slight bend in the knee if you need to), making sure you can not see your heels (they should be aligned directly under your ankle bone.
Press through the base of your fingers and keep fingers spread out. Keep shoulders wide with shoulder blades down and back (as if you’re pushing them toward your tailbone). Your head should be between your arms.
Experts recommend holding this pose 1-3 minutes, however if done in a sequence (think Power Yoga), you may only hold it for 5-10 seconds.
(Note: if you suffer from carpel tunnel syndrome or have wrist problems, you should not do this pose. Also, if you are pregnant, do not do this pose past your 2nd term. High blood pressure sufferers, consult your physician before beginning a yoga practice. As always, let your instructor know if you have a health conduction.)
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Great post, very informative, thank you for sharing!
Thank you!