How to Do Downward Facing Dog
A beginner-friendly full-body exercise that primarily targets the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, and core while helping to improve flexibility, build upper body and posterior chain strength, and enhance overall posture and body alignment.
Exercise Details
Level
Beginner
Primary Skill
Flexibility
Muscles
Primary
Chest
Correct Form
1. Start in a Table Top, on all fours with your shoulders directly over your hands.
2. Lift your hips back and up, forming an inverted 'V' shape with your body.
3. Lengthen your spine from your tailbone to the crown of your head.
4. Press your palms into the ground and spread your fingers wide for stability.
2. Lift your hips back and up, forming an inverted 'V' shape with your body.
3. Lengthen your spine from your tailbone to the crown of your head.
4. Press your palms into the ground and spread your fingers wide for stability.
Common Mistakes
If your back rounds, bend your knees slightly to lengthen your spine.
Pro Tips
1. Shift your weight back towards your heels to deepen the stretch.
2. Let your head hang and move your shoulder blades away from your ears.
2. Let your head hang and move your shoulder blades away from your ears.
