ProneBeginner

Cobra Pose I

Bhujangasana I

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana I) coils the spine like a rising serpent, broadening the chest while keeping pelvis rooted.

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How to Perform

  1. 1

    Lie prone with legs together, tops of feet pressing into the mat.

  2. 2

    Place palms beside lower ribs, elbows hugged in and pointing back.

  3. 3

    Inhale to roll shoulders back and lift head and chest, initiating from thoracic spine.

  4. 4

    Press lightly through hands as you lengthen front body, keeping pubic bone grounded.

  5. 5

    Hold for 3–5 breaths with gaze forward or slightly up, then exhale to lower slowly.

Benefits

  • Strengthens back extensors while opening chest and shoulders.
  • Stimulates abdominal organs and improves spinal mobility.
  • Combats fatigue and slumped posture by energizing the front body.

Alignment Cues

  • Legs stay active with kneecaps lifted off mat.
  • Pubic bone presses down to stabilize lumbar spine.
  • Shoulder blades glide down and toward spine.
  • Weight remains light in hands—lift from back muscles.

Common Mistakes

No common mistakes listed.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Serious low back injury or spondylolisthesis
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Recommended Props

Blanket under pelvisBlocks under hands

Tags

BeginnerCorePlank to Dog FlowProneShouldersSpineasana