Cobra pose is a distinctivelyheart-opening yoga pose, meaning it stretches and expands the chest area.

How to do cobra pose

Lets break it down into easy-to-follow steps.

This is particularly beneficial for those who tend to hunch orspend extensive time sittingor working at a computer.

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And as for those pesky,tight hip flexors?

Cobra takes care of them by giving them a good, much-needed stretch.

Improved posture

Cobra pose is a fantastic way to promote spinal extension.

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

founder of Claire Mark Wellness and a yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience.

Cobra pose also encourages the elongation of your neck.

Regular practice can help tone and strengthen your arm muscles.

And while cobra primarily targets the muscles in your back, it also activates your core muscles.

Woman doing hip exercises

Engaging your abdominal muscles as you lift your chest helps build core strength and stability.

The deep backbend might not be the best dance partner during pregnancy.

Cobra pose involves a moderate backbend with the lower body grounded, making it fairly accessible for beginners.

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose

Just starting out?

Try baby cobra

For something a bit gentler but just as beneficial, try baby cobra pose.

Its like cobras fun younger sibling, here to make your yoga practice a bit more playful.

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founder of Claire Mark Wellness and a yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience.

Once you feel comfortable, you might follow the detailed steps as outlined above for full cobra.

Remember to take it easy.

Theres no rush in yoga; its all about the journey.

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

Its like a warm hug for your heartsoft and inviting.

Its perfect for days when you crave a more relaxed yoga practice.

This variation allows you to surrender into the pose, inviting tranquility and peacefulness into your body and mind.

Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

Remember to breathe deeply.

Cobra pose isnt just a yoga move; its a journey into the heart of your practice.

Prathikanti, Sudha et al.

A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles

Treating major depression with yoga: A prospective, randomized, controlled pilot trial.PloS onevol.

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