Wild Thing Yoga Pose

Camatkarasana

Wild Thing Yoga Pose
overview

Wild Thing Yoga Pose is a backbend, arm balance pose that targets the quads and shoulders and is ideal for yogis and yoginis at an advanced level.

anahata – the heart chakra
related poses

advanced | backbend, arm balance | quads, shoulders

[yoga-sharrre]

[yoga-tags]

How To Do Wild Thing Yoga Pose
  1. Begin in Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana). Keeping your weight strong in your hands and right foot, lift your left leg straight back and into the air until it’s in line with your arms and torso.
  2. Bend the left knee at an angle so that the bottom of your foot points out to the right, inhaling as you open your groin on the left. Keep your shoulders square and lifted as you do this, right foot stable and toes facing forward. Hold this position for a couple breaths.
  3. Begin transferring your weight onto the right hand, lifting the left hand off the floor. Exhale as you continue the rotation with your bent left leg, opening your hips and bringing your foot to the floor with the knee slightly bent. Open your chest along with your hips, reaching up and back with the left arm in the direction of your rotation. As you do this, rotate your right foot along the outer edge, pressing it firmly into the floor, until your toes are pointing out to the left. Keep your right leg straight, extending firmly through the leg and out of the edge of the foot.
  4. Inhale and lift the hips up toward the ceiling as you press your shoulders firmly into your back, deepening the backbend. Actively press into the mat with your right hand and foot, keeping both extended. Reach toward the floor with your left hand, extending the arm and reaching out through the fingertips. Let your head tilt back slightly without compressing the neck.
  5. Hold this position for several breaths, 30-60 seconds if comfortable. To come out, inhale as you rotate yourself back to Downward Facing Dog. Repeat on the other side.
Notes
  • Breathe deeply through each step.
  • This is an advanced backbend pose. Do not attempt this pose unless you are comfortable and strong in your backbends, and only attempt for the first time with a yoga trainer or partner present.
  • Avoid this pose if you have hand, wrist or shoulder injury.
  • Be sure you are flexible in the hip and groin region before performing this asana.
Tips

Smiling as you do this pose can help encourage positive energy to flow through you, releasing your heart and mind to relieve stress.

Stretches & Strengthens

All Muscles: Quads, shoulders, abs, neck, spine, hips

Target Muscles: Quads, shoulders

Health Benefits of Wild Thing Yoga Pose
  • Opens the chest and increases lung capacity.
  • Can relieve stress, anxiety, mild depression and fatigue.

Sanskrit Name & Meaning

Sanskrit Name & Meaning

Camatkarasana

(chah-maht-kah-RAHS-anna)

camatkara: miracle, surprise, spectacle, riot
asana: posture

History & Mythology

History & Mythology


There’s gotta be some history or mythology on this pose! We’ve looked high and low and have only come up with this message. Perhaps you have some information or resource for us to explore?

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