Who doesn t want sculpted and shapely upper body? If you do not see the results from strength training, you can try this variation of purvottanasana or upward plank pose. Upward plank pose with a leg up can be an excellent pose to stretch and tone your shoulders, the back of your arms, your upper back, lower back and your hips. Holding this pose can be extremely helpful to melt away the fat from your shoulders, lower back, hips and buttocks. It opens up the front of your chest and is one of the best yoga poses for upper body strength.
Then place your hands a few inches behind your hips on the floor. Your fingers should point towards your body.
Breathing in, press your hands and feet onto the floor while you lift your hips up till your torso is parallel to the floor.
Gently, bring your shoulder blades down and tilt your head backwards. You should not compress your neck while you are in this position.
Then slowly raise your left leg and extend your shoulder blades towards each other.
Take deep breaths as you stay in this place for as long as you can.
As you exhale, slowly lower your leg, your body and come back to the starting position.Then repeat the steps with the other leg.
Beginner s tips:
Instead of lifting your body all the way up, make gradual increments.
Use your heels to lift your pelvis instead of your toes. Doing this will help support your body better in the posture. If you still find it difficult to lift your body, you can bend your knee first and then push your body.
Word of caution:
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Do not perform this pose if you have a wrist injury or carpal s tunnel syndrome, suggests yoga expert Sunaina Rekhi.
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