Half bridge pose builds core and lower body strength, lengthens and strengthens the spine, energizes the body, and stimulates the endocrine and nervous systems.

Lying on your back, bend both knees and place the feet flat on the floor hip width apart. Slide the arms alongside the body with the palms facing down. The fingertips should be lightly touching the heels.

Press the feet into the floor, inhale and lift the hips up, rolling the spine off the floor. Lightly squeeze the knees together to keep the knees hip width apart.

Press down into the arms and shoulders to lift the chest up.

Engage the legs, buttocks and mula bandha to lift the hips higher.

Inhale and carefully reach the right foot up towards the ceiling, press out through the heel to feel a streach in the back of the leg.

Breathe and hold for 2-4 breaths.

Slowly exhale the right foot back to the floor. Inhale and lift the left foot up towards the ceiling, press out through the heel to feel a streach in the back of the leg.

Breathe and hold for 2-4 breaths.

To release: Slowly lower the left foot back to the floor, exhale and slowly roll the spine back to the floor.

Use a yoga block under the hips to support your weight.

Recent or chronic injury to the knees, hips, shoulders or back.