Wild Thing

Camatkarasana

A flowing backbend rolled open from a side plank, top foot planted behind as the chest opens skyward. A playful, expansive heart opener.

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
EQUIPMENT
Mat
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Glutes · Lower back
ALSO WORKS
Deltoids · Chest · Quads · Posterior Deltoid
Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01From Downward Dog or side plank, lift one leg and bend the knee.
  2. 02Roll onto the outer edge of the bottom foot and reach the lifted foot back to the floor.
  3. 03Press the grounded hand down and lift the hips.
  4. 04Sweep the free arm overhead toward the floor behind you.
  5. 05Open the chest toward the ceiling and let the head follow softly.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Root the standing hand and foot.
  2. 02Lift the hips as the chest opens.
  3. 03Reach the top arm long overhead.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Letting the hips sag — keep lifting them to protect the shoulder.
  2. 02Dumping into the lower back — spread the arc through the whole spine and press the hips up.
  3. 03Straining the neck — let the head hang freely rather than forcing it back.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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