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Downward Facing Dog yoga poseIntermediate
Yoga pose guide

Downward Facing Dog

Sanskrit nameAdho Mukha Svanasana

Learn Downward Facing Dog with clear step-by-step cues, target areas, safety notes, and a guided practice video.

  • Hamstrings
  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Back
  • Full Body

Practice details

Difficulty
4 / 10Intermediate
Position
InvertedMat based
Movement
InversionTarget areas
Equipment
No equipmentGuided practice
01

Guided practice

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Start on hands and knees with your wrists slightly ahead of your shoulders and your knees under your hips.

  2. Spread your fingers wide and press evenly through your knuckles and fingertips, especially the base of the index finger, to spread the load and protect your wrists.

  3. Tuck your toes under and on an exhale lift your hips up and back into an inverted V, gently straightening your legs.

  4. Rotate your upper arms outward and slide your shoulders down away from your ears to keep the shoulders open and safe, reaching your chest back toward your thighs.

  5. Keep a soft bend in your knees if needed so you can lengthen your spine, and let your heels reach toward the floor without forcing them down while you breathe for five to eight breaths.

  6. To exit, bend your knees and lower them gently back to the mat, then rest in child's pose.

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