What is Wheel Pose?

Wheel pose, or chakrasana, is a challenging and deep backbend. With the feet and hands pushing against the floor, the navel reaches toward the sky. Wheel pose requires both strength and spinal flexibility.

Instructions

• Lie on your back and bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor near your bottom.
• Inhale and reach your arms up. Bend your elbows and place your hands on either side of your head.
• Push into your hands, lift your hips, and gently rest on the top of your head with an inhale.
• Straighten your arms and lift your navel toward the sky with an exhale.
• Breathe while holding the pose.

Cautions

• Avoid if you have weak wrists and back.

Benefits of Wheel Pose

• Strengthens the arms and legs
• Develops spinal flexibility
• Opens the chest
• Increases energy