5 Prep Poses for Ustrasana or Camel Pose

Ashley St John
Feb 23, 2015
1 min read

5 Prep Moves for Ustrasana or Camel Pose

Open, Vulnerable, Stress-Releasing, Heart-Pumping & Beautiful!

Most likely you will feel these types of emotions when you are in the heart-opening post, Ustrasana/Camel Pose

This pose is known as a "peak pose", meaning that I would typically teach at least 30 minutes of Vinyasa yoga before I would have my students attempt this pose. But, I really wanted to share these preperation poses with you, so that you can attempt this a bit more safely at home!

*Before you begin these prep poses, be sure to go through 5-10 of your Sun Salutations (Here) to properly heat your muscles up!

1. Shoulder Stretch

Focus: Shoulders away from ears

2. Cobra or Upward Facing Dog (Bhujangasana or Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)

Focus: Press into your palms & all ten toes, Roll shoulders back & away from ears, and Squeeze triceps in, Lengthen through the front body vs. spine

3. Lunge with Shoulder Stretch

Focus: Pull frontal hip points towards rib cage for core stabilization, Sink hips down, Stretch arms towards straight with fingers interlaced, Roll shoulders away from ears

4. Modified Ustrasana

Focus: Hook toes, so heels are lifted, Press palms into lower back/hips, Squeeze elbows & triceps towards each other to lift heart up, Roll shoulders back & away from ears, Bring hip points towards rib cage for core stabilization, Lengthen the front of your body to lift heart even more,