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Speed for this exercise

Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

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1sets
30stime
10srest
~3.4kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
HamstringsCalvesLats

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inShoulders

Steady effort with calm breathing — stretch and strength in balance, never sharp pain.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Inhale to lengthen, exhale to settle deeper.”

Tempo · Hold for 3–5 slow breaths

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Lower backLow back pinching in back-bends or folds. Engage the abs, bend the knees in folds, reduce the depth.
  • Feel it in KneesKnee strain in lunges or twists. Keep the knee over the ankle and use a block or cushion.
  • Feel it in WristsWrists hurt in down-dog or plank. Spread the fingers, press through the knuckles, or use fists / forearms.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Bend your knees if your back rounds; a long spine matters more than straight legs.
  • Rotate your upper arms outward to make room around your neck.

Common mistakes

  • Sinking the chest toward the floor and hanging on the shoulders.

Breathing

Breathe deeply; with each exhale let the heels and hips move further apart.

Equipment needed

Alternatives for the same muscle