WHEEL POSE
Sanskrit Name – Chakrasana
Sanskrit Name Meaning – Chakra – Wheel, Asana - Posture
Type of Asana – Backbend Yoga Pose
Target Areas – Core, Back, Arms, Legs and Chest
WHAT IS WHEEL POSE (CHAKRASANA)?
Wheel Pose (Chakrasana) is a heart opening backbend that strengthens your back whilst expanding your chest. This asana is thought to help counteract any ill effects caused by the modern day sitting posture.
DO NOT PRACTICE WHEEL POSE (CHAKRASANA) IF:
You have a neck, back or leg injury.
BENEFITS OF WHEEL POSE (CHAKRASANA)
Strengthens your back, arms, legs and core muscles
Opens your chest and helps alleviate respiratory difficulties
Increases flexibility and energises your body
Helps fight fatigue and boosts confidence
HOW TO PRACTICE WHEEL POSE (CHAKRASANA) IN 3 EASY STEPS
Lie on the floor, bend your knees and bring your heels into your body as close as you can. Bend your elbows and place your hands on either side of your head. Press your hands and feet down and lift your body up. Keep your hands and feet grounded to the floor. Your head, torso and buttocks should be lifted off the floor.
Keep your legs parallel and your arms parallel. Open your chest and turn the upper arms outward. Allow your head to hang down.
Stay in the pose for as long as is comfortable. Breathe deeply and easily.
WHEEL POSE (CHAKRASANA) VARIATIONS
One Legged Wheel Pose - Eka Pada Chakrasana - Lift one leg to the ceiling – repeat on both sides. You can also try standing up from Wheel Pose and then dropping back down into it. You can practice this on a wall first.
PREPARATORY POSES
Bridge Pose - Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
Plank Pose - Phalakasana
Sphinx Pose - Salamba Bhujangasana
Camel Pose - Ustrasana