07/24/2026
🐪 Let’s get ready for Camel Pose!
Here are a few prep poses you can add to your regular practice to help open the chest, strengthen the back body, and prepare for our Pose of the Month: Ustrasana (Camel Pose)!
✨ Anjaneyasana (Low Crescent Lunge)
You may already practice this in your Sun Salutation variations. Step one foot back, extending the leg, and bring the top of the foot to the mat. Bend the front knee, stacking it over the ankle. Engage your core, lengthen your tailbone toward the floor, and lift your chest. Reach your arms overhead, clasp your hands behind your back, or take cactus arms to encourage a gentle backbend and chest opening.
💛 Remember: never force yourself into a position. Ease into the stretch and honor your body.
✨ Salamba Bhujangasana (Sphinx Pose)
Lie on your belly and prop yourself up on your forearms with your elbows under your shoulders. Imagine gently dragging the mat toward you to draw your shoulders back and broaden your chest. Keep your gaze slightly in front of your hands so the back of your neck stays long, and press the tops of your feet into the mat.
✨ Uttana Shishosana (Puppy Pose)
From a tabletop or high kneeling position, walk your hands forward and begin melting your chest toward the floor while keeping your hips stacked over your knees. If your shoulders feel pinchy, widen your hands a bit.
💛 This pose is also known as Anahatasana, or Heart-Melting Pose.
✨ Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Lie on your belly with your hands beside your lower ribs. Draw your shoulders back and down as you press your chest up into a gentle backbend. Keep pressing the tops of your feet into the mat. If it feels comfortable, let your gaze lift slightly while keeping length through the neck.
✨ Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Lie on your belly, bend your knees, and reach back for your ankles or feet. Keep your knees about hip-width apart or as close together as feels comfortable. As you inhale, press your feet into your hands to lift your chest and thighs. Feel your heart opening as you breathe. If it feels good, let your head gently tip back, imagine the crown of your head reaching toward your feet. 😊 And yes... soften your face.
These poses will help prepare your body for next week's Pose of the Month: Ustrasana (Camel Pose)! I can't wait to practice it with you. ✌️💚🕉️
