Wild Thing Pose

BENEFITS

• Opens the chest and shoulders
• Stretches and strengthens the back muscles
• Opens the hip flexors
• Invigorates the body and mind
• Relieves fatigue

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Back, spinal, or rotator cuff injuries
• High blood pressure
• Headache

HOW TO

1. Begin in Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog). Reach your right leg toward the sky.
2. Bend your right knee and stack your right hip on top of your left. Shift your shoulders above your wrists.
3. Flip yourself over and slowly lower your right toes to the floor. Come onto the ball of your right foot with your right knee partially bent.
4. Your right arm will naturally lift from the ground. Reach it forward and slightly down. Lift your hips toward the sky. Relax your neck.
5. Stay in the pose for several breaths. Flip yourself over to return to Downward-Facing Dog. Change sides.

MODIFY OR REPLACE

• Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
• Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance pose)

SEQUENCING TIPS

Before:

• Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
• Vasisthasana (Side Plank pose)
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)

After:

• Downward-Facing Dog

TEACHING CUES

• Draw your shoulder blades onto your back.
• Lift your hips toward the sky.

VARIATIONS

• Reach both hands to the floor to transition into Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel pose).

WATCH OUT FOR

• Collapsing into the bottom arm