Day 1: Fixed Firm Pose #yogadebbychallenge

Welcome to Day 1 of our backbend challenge! Why backbends? Most people spend a big part of their day seated and rounded forward, which leads to injuries, including herniated discs to the back of the spine. Backbending helps to realign the spine, and increases flexibility. When you do backbends you strengthen your spine through compression and simultaneously open and stretch the front side of your body, which improves your heart function, benefits your respiratory system and stimulates your digestive system.

Our first pose of the backbend challenge is Fixed Firm pose. Though the backbend is not the primary purpose of the posture, once you get your elbows on the floor you are, in fact doing a backbend, which strengthens and opens your lower back. If you can go back all the way, with your shoulders on the floor and arms over your head, you incorporate your upper spine and open your chest and shoulders.

If you are feeling tight don't force the posture. Sit back as far as you can and make sure your big toes point back not out. Even if you cannot get your hips on the floor, sitting with your hips between your feet starts to stretch your knees and quadriceps, and strengthens your ankles...all important aspects of backbends!

Allow your self to try the posture but don't over do it, if your knees or ankles are hurting, be kind to yourself and ease off. Make sure you are warmed up before trying any pose!

Tag your pic on Facebook @DebbyNachmannYoga and use #yogadebbychallenge.