Yoga Pose of the Week – Camel Pose

Ah, the Camel pose.

We’ve arrived at the only backbend we will showcase in this blog series.

There are a lot of other poses that provide athletes with a similar level of flexibility in the front body without the possible stress on the lower back. Though that might be the case, Camel is a pose that encourages awareness in the shoulder blades and extension in the hips, two areas that need a lot of attention.

Muscles Stretched

Rectus Abdominis

Transverse Abdominis

Iliopsoas

Chest

Shoulders

Alignment and Execution Tips

Kneel with your knees directly underneath your hips and toes tucked under.

Place your hands on your butt, fingers pointing down. Draw your shoulder blades together and elbows in.

Extend your chest up and hips forward.

As you continue to lift your breastbone up, walk your hands down your back and grab for your heels.

Breathe in and out through the nose for about 20 seconds then slowly walk the hands up the back and sit on the heels. Repeat 2-3 more times.

Benefits

Stretches the front body and encourages improved body awareness

Opens up the chest for improved posture in Overhead Squats and Snatches

Improved mobility in thoracic spine

WOD Movements

Burpees

Running

Bench Press

Push Ups

Sit Ups (GHD, V-ups, Toes to Bar)

Box Jumps

L-Sit/L-Hang