It is a standing stretch pose which is known by a lot of names. Whether you call it the upward salute pose, volcano pose, palm tree pose, Tadasana Urdhva Hastasana or something else; the main style and benefits associated with the pose remain the same.
It is a beginner’s level pose which is fairly easy, but should be avoided if you suffer from neck or shoulder injuries.
What to Do?
The pose is pretty simple to carry out but will still require you to focus on a few tiny details.
- Stand straight with your back straight and your belly tucked in. Make sure your feet are joined at the two big toes and pointing forward.
- Inhale and swing your arms upwards above your head so that they both are straight and parallel.
- Now try to join them together by joining them at the palms first but without hunching your shoulders in the process.
- Extend the fingers through your pinkies such that the thumbs are facing down and inwards.
- Now, look up at your thumbs by tipping your head a little but without compressing the neck muscles.
- Do not let the rib cage protrude forward while doing this. Maximize the length of the tailbone to give more circumference to the belly.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds and then exhale slowly bringing your arms to your side.
Benefits
The pose doesn’t take more than a few seconds but is really beneficial. It helps:
- Strengthen the back and neck muscles
- Fight off fatigue and indigestion problems
- Stretch the shoulders, belly, and back
- Fight off mild anxiety
So, begin your journey of yoga with this simple and easy pose. This extension pose, if followed correctly, will help stretch your muscles from the toes to your neck in the most healthy way possible.
