Transitioning into Dog Stretches

Moving from Chaturanga Dandasana (four-Limbed Staff Pose) to Up Dog and then back into Down Dog is a step by step progression sort of like linking your body together. This pose transition is know as vinyasa.

Vinyasa is an important transition to practice within your yoga practice because when it is mastered it tends to enhance and reinforce alignment within the body and the legs and arms as well.

Move from Chanturanga to Up Dog by pushing your toes back toward the back of your yoga mat as you roll over them. This requires you to use some serious effort in your legs as to not hurt yourself during this transition.

As you slide your toes back, pull your hands in. Only you hands and feet touch the floor in this transition and by using the strength in your arms, pull your core forward and your legs will be used to push your toes up and back.

Practicing this vinyasas makes it a better transition for your body over time and makes you stronger mentally and physically as well.