Linking Standing Poses with Backbends – Weekly Intermediate Class 450

Salabhasana is an energising backbend with particular benefits for improving posture, opening the chest and strengthening the upper back. This class explores the connections between Salabhasana and a variety of standing poses, using actions from this key backbend to progressively prepare the body for more complex chair backbends. A belt looped around the wrists is used in several poses to recreate Salabhasana-like actions with the arms positioned behind the back. Resisting outwards against the belt helps to open potentially tight muscles across the chest and shoulders while strengthening the muscles of the upper back that support healthy posture. These techniques can be especially beneficial for rounded shoulders, a collapsed chest, stiffness in the upper back, kyphosis and a tendency for the head to move forwards. The sequence brings these actions into standing poses before gradually developing them towards deeper supported backbends, allowing mobility, strength and confidence to build progressively. Although lasting postural change requires regular practice, many students will experience an immediate sense of greater openness and freedom through the chest, shoulders and upper back. In addition to improving postural awareness, this uplifting sequence will leave you feeling refreshed, energised and revitalised.