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august 2017yogajournal.comMODEL: CALEY ALYSSA; STYLIST: NICOLE GRIFFIN/HAZEL & PINE; HAIR/MAKEUP: BETH FOLLERT/JK ARTISTS, USING MAC; TOP AND BOTTOMS: AL
O; BRACELET: MALA & ME
TWOTWO
DOLPHIN POSE
This is a wonderful shoulder opener that helps you get used to the feeling of
bearing weight in your forearms. Because of this, it’s a great precursor to Pincha
Mayurasana (Forearm Balance) and Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand).
But before you move on to try either of those poses, make sure you’re able to
hold Dolphin Pose for at least 1 minute.HOW TO From Downward-Facing Dog, lower onto your forearms and step
back into Forearm Plank. This is an important step because it stacks your shoul-
ders directly over your elbows, which is key in Dolphin Pose. From Forearm
Plank, walk your feet toward your hands, working toward stacking your hips
and torso over your shoulders (shown). As you do this, be sure your elbows
stay at shoulder width (no wider), and keep your forearms parallel to one
another. Finally, press your hips back and engage your legs as you try to
redistribute weight from your upper body to your lower body.Hug your forearms in to
keep your elbows from
moving out wider than
your shoulders.If your shoulders are
tight (something that’s
particularly common in
men), rather than keep-
ing your forearms paral-
lel, as shown, bring your
hands together and clasp
your fingers.