As a little extension of yesterday's focus on yoga poses for the shoulders and neck, I present to you with this. I'm not going to lie - it looks relatively easy, sort of like a variation of child's pose, right? Well, don't get too excited. Its looks are deceiving and the innocent puppy name might fool you, because it's actually quite challenging (at least for me). It offers a big stretch in the armpits and shoulders while intending to lengthen the back muscles and bring the spine into alignment. It's one of those poses I like to do when I'm really working shoulder strength and upper body strength. Give it a try and let me know if you find it challenging as well!
TIP: If you want to modify this pose, place a block under the forehead vertically, and let your head rest on that rather than trying to crane your neck all the way to the ground.
PS- Four mistakes you might be making in yoga class, and how to calm your life down. Plus, more yoga poses.