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Camel Pose - Ustrasana

How to Do Camel Pose - Ustrasana

By Ann Pizer, About.com

Updated: July 10, 2008

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Camel Pose - Ustrasana

© Barry Stone
Type of pose: Backbend

Benefits: Stretches the front of the body including the chest, abdomen, and quadriceps. Improves spinal flexibility.

Instructions:

1. Come up onto your knees. Take padding under your knees if they are sensitive.

2. Draw your hands up the side of your body as you start to open your chest.

3. Reach your hands back one at a time to grasp your heels.

4. Bring your hips forward so that they are over your knees.

5. Let your head come back, opening your throat.

Beginners: Curl your toes under and come to the balls of your feet if you cannot reach your heels when the feet are flat, or use blocks on either side of your knees.

Advanced: Try taking hold of opposite ankles.

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