Try This Yoga Pose NOW to Feel Stronger, Lighter and Pain-Free

If you're like me and spend most of your day sitting in front of a computer (read: slumped in front of a computer) then you're not alone. Not to mention, most of us walk, talk, eat and do basically anything while looking down at our phones. And most of us know of the negative impacts that sitting and slouching has on our bodies, which usually manifests itself in the form of back pain, stiff muscles, fatigue, and more. Need a quick fix? Enter Cobra Pose, a simple yoga position that works to counteract all of that sitting and slouching that creeps up on you during the day. "It's a good countermovement for most of us who sit in a forward bend position at a desk all day. It reverses our general 'spinal habit' of being in a forward bend while we sit, stand, drive, etc.", says Heather Lilleston, NYC-based yoga teacher and Program Director at Yoga Vida. Do the move daily to reap some serious benefits -- check 'em out below.

Stretch and Strengthen: Cobra Pose stretches the neck, chest and abs while at the same time strengthening the back, shoulders, and spine, improving the flexibility of the upper and middle back and helping to realign the spine. "The spinal region is toned and it is a good pose to bring the spine back into place" says Lilleston, citing Light on Yoga by B.K.S Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar Yoga.Alleviate Back Pain: Cobra Pose is a backbending pose and although it may sound counter intuitive, backbending can actually help to alleviate back pain. By engaging the spinal muscles, the very areas of the back that have been weakened by chronic forward bending are strengthened and become more flexible, easing stiffness that causes pain. Fight Fatigue: Cobra Pose can be invigorating and revitalizing, too. It improves blood circulation and opens the chest to promote better respiration (hello more oxygen), helping to fight fatigue. Additionally, "when the more advanced variations of this posture are practiced, the thyroids, parathyroids, and adrenals receive a copious supply of blood, resulting in increased vitality," says Lilleston. Opens the Heart: Cobra Pose expands the chest which literally and figuratively opens the heart area. "Backbends are traditionally discussed as heart-openers," says Lilleston, "They have to do with moving into your future." Opening the heart area can provide a deep emotional release, helping you to feel lighter and more open, positively affecting your mood.

Try Cobra Pose during your post-workout stretch, before bed, or even on the floor while watching TV if you've been sitting for too long. Remember to breathe deeply and smile - you're doing something good for yourself!

Note: Cobra pose should be avoided by those with back, rib, or spinal injuries and those who are pregnant or have undergone recent abdominal surgeries.

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