Camel Pose Helps Students Of All Levels

Camel pose (ustrasana) is part of most hot yoga classes and it can be modified by beginners and advanced yoga practitioners. Start by kneeling on the floor with the tops of your feet pressing into the floor. If this is uncomfortable, curl your toes under your feet. Place your hands on your buttocks and keep your upper thighs vertical and perpendicular to the floor. Slowly lean back, so you feel an opening in the upper chest, and reach your hands towards your heels. If you can’t grab your heels, reach as far as you comfortably can and hold the pose. If you can reach your heels, tilt your head back, or if your neck is sensitive, keep your chin tucked towards your chest. Keep your upper chest pointed towards the ceiling and avoid arching your lower back. To exit the pose, engage your upper thighs to help pull your body upward. Your head should come up last. The benefits of camel pose include stretching the front of the body and promoting the abdominal strength and good posture that are among the important foundations for more challenging hatha yoga poses.