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Mar
05

Pose Suggestion: Phalakasana ~ Plank Pose

The suggested pose today is Phalakasana or Plank Pose

This pose is shown with the palm of the hands on the floor which is the traditional execution of the pose. However, I suggest you add to your practice by performing with the Forearms on the floor. Shoulders over the elbows. Hands lightly interlaced.

Engage your abdominal muscles which gives essential support to the spine. In variation with forearms on the floor: press forearms down, contract triceps to lift, broaden  your shoulder blades. Tuck toes and lift knees off the floor. You may keep your knees to the floor but continue the other cues: engage core, press down through forearms, lift up through the triceps. 

While there are more cues to offer, this is a good start.  You can add on with these thoughts: press heels back to help activate legs and contract thighs to draw toward hamstrings; keep shoulder blades broad and chest lifting away from mat to stabilize and strengthen shoulder cuff region; keep your neck in line with your spine, avoiding an excessive extension of cervical neck or a dropping of the head.