Backbend Adjustment for Wheel

Using Blocks Against the Wall
This a Fantastic Way to Get Extended Strong Arms and Support for the Arch of the Spine. Make sure to keep the elbows in and always take a pre-flight check-in before each Full Backbend Posture, no matter what yoga level or length of yoga practice/experience you have.

Partner Assist. Supportive Help to step #2.
Remind your student to always bring the chin in toward the chest first, then begin pressing into the hands, arms and blocks to come up!

Pre-flight check in with the help of your partner.
Without the wall or blocks, ask partner to bring their hands to your ankles and check to make sure, elbows are in, chin stays in, and your ready for lift off.

Help to Lift the Partner up by bringing the hands under their shoulders.
Also, notice how the recipient has placed their hands on supportive ankles. Get your power footing first. Keep feet wide apart and keep a bend in the knees at all times.

This is a partner assisted backbend with the help of a strap and the use of a wall. Make sure when pulling the strap, that your arms and back are straight. Pull the strap back toward you with all your body weight. Similar to water skiing! Make sure to keep knees again bent and use universal support under the body.

This is a partner assist slight variation with the help of a strap and no use of the wall. As we have said before, adjustments and partner support is great, and we want to remember that it is even better to be able to integrate the anatomical alignment when possible for ourself! Everyone honors their own pace and does their best!

Camel Pose with the help of the Wall. May be used with block at the side or reaching for the back heel. Also important, find the tailbone soften and tuck under toward the wall first before moving into any backbend. Press the thighs down firmly, then with that connection, the spine can lengthen slowly and open like a flower to drop back. Keep the feet very active! Make sure to turn all ten toes under to receive maximum support, then if you wish to relax the toes and come to the top of the feet, fine.

Full Camel Pose with a Wall Assist.
If it feels like the legs are doing more work than the back, try to reach for both heals with both arms. If the back feels like it is more tight as a result of this movement, than back up and reach for one foot and alternate. What is important is that you listen to your own body, and each practice is unique. Some days, we want more, some days our body definitely wants less!

Chair Assisted Backbend with Strap and Block
Modification: Work with a partner to provide additional props as needed.
Benefits:Flushing body toxins from circulation and lymphatic system
Energizing Heart Opening

Walking the Wall
With your back facing the wall. Start about 3 feet away and walk your hands down the wall to your degree. Some students may only be able to open slightly keeping the hands just behind their shoulders while others may be able to walk generously down the wall and enjoy and deeper stretch. Either way, the important thing is to notice the benefits for all levels. This posture is excellent for promoting all levels and abilities a playful fun time!