Benefits of Bow Pose

This pose is so called because it looks like an archer’s bow, the torso and legs representing the body of the bow, and the arms the string.

If it isn't possible for you to hold your ankles directly, wrap a strap around the fronts of your ankles and hold the free ends of the strap, keeping your arms fully extended.

You can increase the challenge of Bow Pose by performing the pose with your thighs, calves, and inner feet touching.

Benefits

• Stretches the entire front of the body, ankles, thighs and groins, abdomen and chest, and throat, and deep hip flexors (psoas)
  
• Strengthens the back muscles
  
• Improves posture
  
• Stimulates the organs of the abdomen and neck

Credit: Yoga Journal