Back Bends

Of all the backbends, Cobra is one of the most well known in yoga practice. This beautiful backbend gets its name from the way the King Cobra raises its head and flattens its hood before striking its prey.

(pictured is Advanced Cobra) 

The Camel is a remarkably tall animal with unusually spindly legs for its height – fortunately for both the camel and rider, they can kneel fairly easily and this is where this posture gets its name. Much like the Camel itself, this kneeling backbend should be approached cautiously and carefully; if you are a beginner, you should not ever attempt the Camel without the guidance of an instructor.

Cat/Cow is a staple asana that warms and tones the entire spine, from neck to hips. The posture is performed on your hands and knees and introduces the idea of the union between body movement and breath; Cat Cow is normally used during warm up and cool down in our yoga flows and appears in virtually every flow.

During yoga practice our bodies take on many shapes; these shapes are often reflected in the Western names given to yoga poses. In Dhanurasana or Bow Pose, the body takes the shape of a drawn bow, the trunk and thighs represent the bow, and the arms and lower legs represent the tightly drawn string.