13/06/2026
LIFT before DEPTH
Ustrasana (Camel Pose) 🐪
In last week’s experienced classes, students explored Ustrasana (Camel Pose), practicing lifting the chest, creating length, stability, and space. Through strong legs, an uplifted sternum, and focus on the correct alignment, the pose becomes both energising and expansive.
In Ustrasana (Camel Pose) or other backbend preparations, there is the temptation to instinctively focus on bending backwards as deeply as possible. This can compress the lower back and collapse the chest. Instead, in Iyengar yoga, we explicitly teach:
💙 Lifting the sternum (breastbone) upwards,
💙 Lengthening the front of the torso,
💙 Drawing the shoulder blades into the back to broaden and open the chest,
💙 Grounding firmly through the shins and thighs,
💙 Creating space between the vertebrae.
💙 Extending the head and neck horizontally.
Only after establishing this upward lift and spaciousness do you move further into the backbend. With the awareness of length and lift, the pose feels supported, spacious, and alive.
