07/19/2026
āļø DOWN DOG: A good Down Dog done consistently improves shoulder mobility, lengthens the spine, stretches the hamstrings and calves, strengthens the upper body, and creates space throughout the entire body.
A poor Down Dog repeated over time can overload the wrists and shoulders, round the back, create neck tension, strain the low back, and limit the stretch where you actually need it.
The most common mistake? Chasing straight legs instead of a long spine. If your hamstrings are tight, bend your knees. A long, neutral spine will always be more beneficial than forcing your heels down or locking your legs.
Start by focusing on one or two cues each time you practice. As those become second nature, add another. Small adjustments made consistently lead to better movement, less discomfort, and a stronger practice.
And as always, donāt hesitate to ask AshLeigh or one of our instructors for help with your Down Dogāor any pose youāre working on.