Stretch pose is an incredible posture to boost your overall health and self-esteem by activating your third chakra or solar plexus. Although it can be challenging, this posture resets the entire nervous system through a combination of Breath of Fire and strong posture to strengthen the abdominal area. While it may not be obvious during the exercise, the after-effects of this pose are calming and rejuvenating. 

How to practice Stretch Pose

In the video below, watch one of our incredible teachers, Sujjandev Matt Watts, demonstrating this pose so you can try it for yourself at home!

Posture: Lie on your back. Raise your head and heels 6 inches off the ground. Focus the eyes on the toes and stretch the toes so they point away from you. Place your arms either above your thighs with the palms facing down but not touching the legs, or alongside your legs with the palms facing your body but not touching. 

Focus: Keep your eyes open and gaze towards your toes. 

Breath: Breath of Fire - watch our introduction to Breath of Fire video here. 

Time: In many sets, this posture is held for 1-3 minutes.

To end: Gently come out of the posture and meditatively relax.

Important to note for women: Do not practice stretch pose under the following circumstances as it puts extra pressure on the female reproductive organs: 

• After the first 120 days of pregnancy 

• If there are any pregnancy complications 

• During the first few days of a woman’s moon cycle