Swimming Yoga Pose

Benefits: Swimming yoga pose provides an opening through the upper body and strengthens the lower back. It also strengthens the arms and shoulders, and it massages the organs of the abdomen. When practicing it in conjunction with the breath, this pose warms up the body.

Lie on your mat facing down. Stretch your legs out long and activate your thighs. Lift your head a little off the floor but keep your head in line with your spine. Reach your arms out over your head. Lift one straight leg and the opposite arm and then switch.

Do this slowly; inhale on one side then exhale on the next. If this is comfortable you can repeat here or inhale for five strokes and exhale for five strokes. This will build some heat in the body.

Be careful how far you lift. Avoid crunching through the lower back. Stay low while you build strength.

This pose builds strength in the lower back and the upper back as well as increasing flexibility through the front chest and shoulders.

Precautions: People with back injuries should consult a physician before attempting any backbend poses. People with shoulder injuries should use caution reaching overhead.
From swimming yoga pose practice child pose to stretch out the back muscles.