Photo: @siclarkphoto
Reverse prayer is a unique post that stretches the chest, shoulders, forearms and wrists. Aside from that, it realigns the shoulder blades, a common problem area for anybody who surfs frequently.
Instructions
-Bring your palms together at the base of your spine, fingertips pointing down. Draw your shoulders back.
-Rotate your fingertips inward towards your spine and keep turning your hands until your fingertips point up.
-Try to bring the heels of your palms together.
-Sit up straight, relax your neck and shoulders and hold the pose for 5 breaths, in and out through your nose.
Modification
If you don’t have the flexibility in your chest and shoulders to bring your palms together, take hold of opposite elbows behind your back or touch your fists together and draw your shoulders back.
Timing
-Hold this pose when you come out of the water to stretch tight paddling muscles.
Contraindications
Avoid this pose if you have an arm or shoulder injury. Reverse Prayer is an extreme stretch so don’t go into it unless your muscles are fully warmed up.
Find more yoga routines designed for surfers here.
