How to Perform an Upward Facing Dog in Yoga

Yoga moves are meant not only for meditation and concentration, but to enhance a fitness routine. They are used for stretching, strength, balance and coordination; the upward facing dog is among the many moves that promotes this. A popular stretching move, this position is used along with the downward dog and is a type of core stretch that can be enhanced with abdominal moves and balance positions.

• 1

  Begin in the plank position, which is also known as the push-up starting position. Hold yourself up with your toes and your hands, with your arms locked and your back and legs straight.

• 2

  Lower your body to the floor by bending your arms into the body, keeping the upper and lower arms pressed against the side of the body.

• 3

  Hold your hands by your ribcage with your chest near the floor and kick your feet back so that you are on the tops of your toes.

• 4

  Straighten your arms to lift your upper body off of the floor so that only your hands and toes are touching the ground.Your lower body should be straight and your upper body should be off of the floor as far as possible.

• 5

  Keep your arms straight, push your shoulders back towards your feet and crown the top of your head as high as possible. Hold the stretch for around 15 seconds before returning to the plank, or push-up position.