benefits:

• opens up chest, lung, and shoulder areas
• opens the front of the legs and hip flexors
• builds strength in shoulders and upper back

cautions/contraindications:

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• rotator cuff injuries

preparatory poses:

• adho mukha svanasana – downward-facing dog
• dhanurasana – bow pose
• vasisthasana – side plank pose

namaste