How to: Wheel - strapping for shoulder stability

Posted on April 23, 2013
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By Rachel Scott
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Yoga Practice

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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.

Rachel Scott

Rachel supports yoga teachers and studios around the world to create transformational education experiences that help them thrive in their business, share their passion, and inspire more people to practice yoga. Her extensive knowledge and experience include: earning two masters degrees, authoring three books, leading 4,000+ hours of TT, building a teacher training college for a national yoga company, and working behind the scenes in yoga studio & teacher management for more than fifteen years. As a writer and speaker, she continually wrestles with the juicy bits of life: relationships, authenticity, and discovering meaning in this crazy, wildish world. E-RYT 500, YACEP, BA, MFA, MSci. Learn more about Rachel.