Yogarei’s top tips for your downward dog

If you find downward dog a challenge, why not try one or a combination of these tips to ease yourself into the pose:

• Rotate your upper thighs inward
• Lengthen the spine as your draw your breath in and lift your tailbone (if this is available to you)
• Bend or pedal the knees with each exhale
• Lift the heels if your hamstrings are tight
• Draw the belly in
• Lift the rib cage and chest
• Soften the shoulders to lengthen the neck in line with the spine
• Keep the palms firm but soften the elbows
• Turn the biceps outward
• Turn the triceps inward
• Shift the upper body weight between the thumb and forefinger
• Use your finger tips and the balls of your palms