Intermediate

Bow Pose Dhanurasana

A prone backbend where you hold the ankles to open the whole front of the body.

How to do Bow Pose

  1. Lie on your front and bend the knees, reaching back for the ankles.
  2. Kick the feet into the hands to lift the chest and thighs.
  3. Keep the shoulders relaxed and breathe.

Benefits

  • Opens the chest, shoulders and hip flexors
  • Strengthens the back
  • Improves posture and energy

A note on safety

Warm up the back first; keep it gentle with back or neck issues. This is general guidance, not medical advice. A qualified teacher can adapt this pose to your body, which is exactly what we do in our private sessions at home in Doha.

FAQ

Is Bow Pose a strong backbend?
Yes. Warm up with gentler backbends first, and use a version holding one ankle at a time if needed.

Practise it with a teacher

Reading helps, but a teacher perfects your form. Book a session at home in Doha. First group class free.