Extended puppy pose

Also known as: Uttana Shishosana, Shoulder stretch.

Technique

Start on all fours with your hips above your knees.
Walk your hands forward and straighten your arms.
Sink your chest toward the floor while keeping your hips stacked over your knees.
Relax your head and neck as you deepen the stretch through the shoulders, chest, and upper back.

Keep your hips above or slightly in front of your knees throughout the pose.
Focus on opening the chest and shoulders rather than creating a large arch in the lower back.
Keep your arms active and reach forward through your fingertips.
Breathe deeply and relax into the stretch gradually.
It is perfectly fine if your forehead, chin, or chest touches the floor, as long as you can maintain the stretch comfortably and keep most of the movement coming from the shoulders and upper back rather than excessive lumbar arching.