A good – if slightly claustrophobic way – of keeping the arms from splaying out in the ascent to Wheel (Urdhva Dhanurasana).
Tips:
- I’d be less likely to use this on a really tight guy (who may need a little extra room to find full flexion of the arms) than on a flexible but instable person who needs more support.
- Work to make the strap loose – not to hang out in it.
- The key to the backbend is in the upper back – thoracic extension. For maximum stability, set the shoulder girdle before you become weight bearing and press all the way up.
- However, this pose is particularly challenging because it also demands full flexion of the arm at the shoulder.
- For tighter folks, have them place their hands a little further away from their ears and turn their hands out (creates more space)
- Less stable and weaker folks (more flexible) can move their hands closer to their ears before fully coming up in order to facilitate the press up.
