open your heart with bow

Do you know how this pose got its name?

If you look at the shape, you might see that it resembles an archer’s bow! The torso and legs represent the body of the bow, and the arms represent the string. Hence, “Bow Pose.” (“Dhanu” — meaning “bow” in Sanskrit)

This posture is a full backbend that opens the chest and the entire front of the body. So many of us spend a big part of the day in (unconscious) forward bends. Like driving, computer and desk work, couch-slouching, and carrying kids. But also, many of the physical activities that we do more purposely and are considered somewhat good for you can involve a lot of forward bending. Think of sports like swimming, golfing, cycling and even running.

Backward bends like bow are a great way to ...

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