Appears in642 Workouts*

Kneeling Supported Elbow Downward Dog

A gentle twist on downward dog! Uses less wrist strain, great for flexibility & core strength.

Ms. Grey Smith
Ms. Grey Smith
@JustHer_grayTho

Optional Equipment

Yoga Mat thumbnail
Yoga Mat

Muscle Groups

Primary

Secondary

Instructions

1. Starting Position:
- Begin on your hands and knees on a comfortable surface, like a yoga mat.
- Make sure your wrists are directly under your shoulders and your knees are under your hips.

2. Transition to Elbow Support:
- Lower your forearms to the ground, keeping your elbows shoulder-width apart.
- Your hands can be clasped together or placed flat on the ground in front of you, depending on what feels comfortable.

3. Positioning the Body:
- Tuck your toes and lift your hips upward, aiming to form an inverted "V" shape with your body.
- Your back should be straight, and your head should align with your arms, looking toward your feet.

4. Engaging the Core and Stretching:
- Engage your core muscles to support your lower back.
- Press your chest towards your thighs to deepen the stretch in your back and legs.

5. Holding the Position:
- Hold this position for 15-30 seconds, breathing deeply and relaxing into the stretch.
- Try to keep your heels pressing gently towards the floor, but it’s okay if they don’t touch.

6. Returning to Start:
- To exit the position, lower your hips back down to the ground and return to the original hands-and-knees position.
- Rest briefly before repeating if desired.

Tips:
- Keep your shoulders away from your ears to avoid tension.
- If you experience discomfort in your wrists or shoulders, modify the angle of your arms or choose to take a break.
- Focus on slow, intentional movements to maximize the stretch and strengthen your core.