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Also known as: Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, Short bridge hold, Bridge.

Technique

  1. From a supine position (lying on back), bring the heels toward the hips, and press the arms into the floor alongside the hips.
  2. Press through the feet to lift the hips up, engaging the Glutes and Hamstrings.
  3. Allow the chest to extend toward the chin.
  4. Pull the shoulder blades toward each other ( Shoulder retraction).

Form tips

  • Adjust the position of the feet to feel a strong foundation from which to lift the hips.
  • Lift the hips to the height of the knees if possible.
  • Pull the navel toward the spine to support the core for this exercise.

Muscles

Strength

Primary

  • Glutes
  • Hamstrings
  • Spine

Secondary

  • Hip adductors
  • Gluteus maximus
  • Semitendinosus
  • Semimembranosus
  • Biceps femoris (long)
  • Spinalis thoracis
  • Longissimus thoracis
  • Iliocostalis

Equipment

Appears in

Other disciplines
Joint movements
trains stretches

Progressions

e196

Bridge pose with legs half extended

Beginner
e0va

Locust pose

Beginner
e0vb

Supported locust pose

Beginner
e01m

Arch body hold

Beginner
e04z

Cobra pose

Beginner
e0oy

Supine arch body hold

Novice
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