Backbends can do wonders for your body and mind, and they’re a perfect way to energize your practice. When you stretch into a backbend, you’re opening up your chest and shoulders, which helps you breathe more deeply and feel more awake. They also strengthen your spine and improve your posture, which is especially helpful if you spend a lot of time sitting. But the benefits go well beyond the physical—backbends (often called heart openers) have a way of boosting your mood, building confidence, and encouraging a more compasionate view on life. Sure, they might feel a little vulnerable at first, but that’s part of what makes them so powerful. As you lean into that openness, you might find yourself feeling braver, lighter, and more joyful. Give it a try, and notice how it shifts your energy!
Reclining Hero’s Pose – a Supported Deep Backbend
