Today’s Poses: Half Lord of the Fishes and Sphinx Pose
Half Lord of the Fishes and Sphinx Pose
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose – Ardha Matsyendrasana
Steps
- Sit up with the legs stretched out straight in front of you, keeping the feet together and the spine erect.
- Bend the left leg and place the heel of the left foot beside the right hip (optionally, you can keep the left leg straight).
- Take the right leg over the left knee.
- Place the left hand on the right knee and the right hand behind you.
- Twist the waist, shoulders, and neck in this sequence to the right and look over the right shoulder.
- Keep the spine erect.
- Hold and continue with gentle long breaths in and out.
- Breathing out, release the right hand first (the hand behind you), release the waist, then chest, lastly the neck, and sit up relaxed yet straight.
- Repeat to the other side.
- Breathing out, come back to the front, and relax.
Benefits
- Makes spine supple.
- Increases the elasticity of the spine.
- It opens the chest and increases the oxygen supply to the lungs.
Sphinx Pose
Sphinx Pose is a gentle back bending posture that can be practiced either actively or passively.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lie on your stomach with your toes flat on the floor and forehead resting on the ground.
- Keep your legs close together with your feet and heels lightly touching.
- Stretch your hands in front of you with your palms facing downward and arms touching the ground. Set your elbows under your shoulders and forearms parallel to each other.
- On an inhale, slowly lift your head, chest,
and abdomen while keeping your navel on the floor. - Pull your torso back and off the floor with the support of your arms.
- Ensure that your feet are still close together and your head facing straight ahead.
- On an exhale, gently lower your abdomen, chest and head onto the floor.
Benefits
- Strengthens the spine
- Stimulates the abdominal organs
- Expands the chest and shoulders
- Improves circulation
- Relieves stress
Half Lord of the Fishes and Sphinx Pose strengthen the spine and relieve the stress.
