Goddess pose (also known as fiery angle pose) heats the body and increases circulation, while also toning the calves, quadriceps, inner thighs and core, as well as the shoulders, arms and upper back. This pose also stretches the hips, groins and chest after a long day of practicing dentistry. Goddess pose also happens to be a nice pose to do during pregnancy as it can help to prepare the body for childbirth by creating spaciousness in the pelvis.
You can certainly do this while at work (might be tricky if wearing heels or slippery dress shoes) otherwise, it’s a great post work pose!
Steps to Goddess Pose
- Facing the long edge of your yoga mat, step your feet approximately 3 feet apart (those with longer legs should take a slightly wider stance). Keep your feet parallel. I usually tell students to extend their arms out to the side and flex the hands so that fingers are pointing down. Then roughly align your ankles with your wrists and see how that stance feels. Adjust your stance as needed after you attempt the pose.
- With hands on your hips, turn your toes out and your heels in, so your feet are pointed out at about a 45-degree angle.
- On an exhale, bend your knees in the same direction as your toes, and lower your hips down toward the height of your knees. The knees have a tendency to bow inwards as they bend, so ensure that your knees are pointing in the same direction as your toes to help protect your joints. If necessary, adjust the placement of your feet.
- Extend your arms out at shoulder height and bend your elbows to 90 degrees with your palms facing away from you. Spread your fingers wide and draw your shoulder blades into your back.
- Engage your core muscles and draw your tailbone toward the floor. Keep your spine long and your shoulders stacked over your hips.
- Press down evenly through the soles of both feet and remain in the pose for up to 5 deep breaths.
- To come out of the pose, extend your legs, lower your arms and step your feet together.
- If having the arms up is too much today, place your hands together at the heart center to ease up on your shoulders or upper back.
Add a Twist
Place palms on thighs and twist at your waist so you can bring your shoulder forward for a nice torso and shoulder stretch. Don’t forget to do the other side.
Let me see your Goddess Pose by tagging me on Instagram @yogafordentist or posting in our private Facebook Group – Yoga for Dentists!
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