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Raised Hands Pose - Urdhva Hastasana

By Ann Pizer, About.com

Updated May 16, 2008

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Raised Hands Pose - Urdhva Hastasana

Raised Hands Pose - Urdhva Hastasana

© Barry Stone
Type of pose: Standing

Benefits: Improves posture, strengthens thighs, opens shoulders

Instructions:

1. From Tadasana, bring your arms out to the side and up.

2. Press the palms together, keep the arms straight and take the gaze up toward your thumbs.

3. Slide the shoulder blades down the back.

4. Maintain your alignment.

Beginners: Practice the pose with your back to the wall so you can feel the alignment. Place a block between the thighs, squeeze it and roll it slightly backward to feel the engagement and rotation of the thighs.

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