Downward Facing Dog

About This Class

Bryan Kest walks students through every layer of Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), starting from a foundation-first philosophy — ensuring safety and stability before adding nuance. Beginning in Child's Pose, Melissa demonstrates the transition into Down Dog, where Bryan methodically cues hand placement, finger spreading, arm engagement, and a soft neck. He then introduces the imagery of a hook lifting the tailbone skyward to lengthen the spine, while keeping the heels pressing gently toward the floor for a hamstring and calf stretch. Optional refinements include pressing back through the knees, externally rotating the upper arms to broaden the shoulders, and pressing the armpits toward the ankles to engage the upper back. The tone is warm, accessible, and encouraging — ideal for anyone wanting to understand and inhabit this foundational pose more fully.