Sphinx

Question 1

Purpose

Answer 1

Healthy compression to the lower spine, builds bone density

Question 2

Benefits

Answer 2

• Deep compression and stimulation of the sacral lumbar arch
• Tones the spine
• May be therapeutic for people with bulging or herniated discs

Question 3

Getting into the Pose

Answer 3

• From your belly, bring your elbows under your shoulders, move your elbows just ahead of your shoulders (shoulder width apart)
• Lower your head down and allow your shoulder blades to wing up towards the sky, soften your lower body

Question 4

Coming out of the Pose

Answer 4

• Lower your chest to your mat
• Come into half frog to the right

Question 5

Transition

Answer 5

• Bring your left arm down by your side, turn your head to your right, slide your right knee up to right hip height, touch your right wrist to your right knee, cactus your right arm

Question 6

Alternatives & Variations

Answer 6

• Slide your hands further away from your body to lessen the intensity
• Bolster or blocks under your arm pits
• Rest your head on a block (3 heights to the block)
• Sphinx variation: separate your feet wider than shoulder distance apart and bend your knees for more compression in your sacral
• For pregnancy, use a bolster under the pelvis and forearms or avoid altogether
• Place towels or a bolster under the elbows to evaluate the chest and deepen the posture