What's the purpose of the "downward dog" ?

donyellemoniquex3
donyellemoniquex3 Posts: 2,384 Member
edited January 5 in Fitness and Exercise
I can recently do it right without my wii board (but my hands get sweaty on it) and when I do Yoga Meltodown, the carpet is on a hard floor...

But anyways, what does the downward dog do besides get your blood rushing through your body ?

Replies

  • gingerjen7
    gingerjen7 Posts: 821 Member
    Inverted poses are extremely important because they reverse the action of gravity on the body and get the blood and lymph flowing in opposite directions.
    On an emotional level downward facing dog helps turn everything on its head and helps us see things from a different angle.
    It helps boost self-confidence.
    Because of the increased blood flow to the top of the body, shoulder stand can help improve brain function and cognition and reduce anxiety and depression.
    Takes pressure off the heart, which has to work less to get blood flowing to the brain.
    Strengthens and tones the arms and legs
    Because of the weight bearing nature of the posture on the arms and legs it helps strengthen the bones and prevent osteoporosis.
    Lengthens and straightens the spine, helping to relieve pain in the upper, middle and lower back.
    The body gets a 360-degree stretch in just one pose.
  • SirDoctorofTARDIS
    SirDoctorofTARDIS Posts: 113 Member
    From my experience ( I am NOT a yoga expert. I have only done p90x yoga) it helps with stretching your calves and hamstrings.
  • Rayman79
    Rayman79 Posts: 2,009 Member
    I think if youve done P90X yoga you are close to an expert... that thing is about 7 hours long! :laugh:
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