Tone your back muscles and burn calories

The following yoga exercise is known as the ‘cobra pose’.

Why is the following exercise called the cobra pose?

When this pose is done correctly, the raised head and trunk of your body will resemble the raised hood of a cobra snake. Therefore this exercise is called the cobra pose.

How to perform the cobra pose

Lie on your stomach, with your face down. You should be at ease with your muscles relaxed. Then place your palms on the side of you, slightly below the shoulders. Now breathe in as you slowly raise your head followed by the upper part of the body. Be cautious not to jerk your body upwards in a quick motion – this movement should be done gently so that you can feel your spine curve.

Note that your navel must remain on the ground. You can hold your breath in this position, then slowly breathe out whilst coming back down into the starting position.

Repetitions

You can repeat this technique for about six times.

Tone your back muscles and other benefits

Performing this exercise will help to tone the deep and superficial muscles of the back. Apart from the calories you will burn in performing this exercise, you may find that this exercise also helps to relieve back pain. In addition, your abdominal muscles will be well exercised and your spine strengthened.

Consult your doctor

Always remember to consult with your health practitioner before starting any new exercise regime or making intense changes to your current one – especially if you suffer from any medical conditions and for some reason are required not to place your body or yourself under any form of stress or strain.

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