Technique
- Start in the Downward dog position with your hips lifted, arms straight, and heels reaching toward the ground.
- Shift your body forward into a plank-like position as your shoulders move over your wrists.
- Lower your hips toward the floor and open the chest to move into Upward dog. Breathe in.
- Lift your hips back up and push through your shoulders to return to Downward dog. Breathe out.
- Continue flowing smoothly between the two positions with controlled breathing.
Form tips
- Press firmly through your hands and keep your shoulders active in both positions.
- Open the chest and draw the shoulders back and down in Upward dog.
- In Downward dog, aim to lengthen your spine rather than forcing your heels to the floor.
Muscles
Flexibility
Primary
- Glutes
- Hamstrings
- Legs
- Chest
- Back
- Abs
- Obliques
Secondary
- Hip adductors
- Pelvis
- Quadriceps
Equipment
Appears in
Flexibility
Joint movements
Regressions

Downward dog
Beginner

Upward dog
Beginner
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