Exercises / Downward dog

Downward dog GIF

Figure

Male figure; the female figure follows.

Muscles

Background

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Worked muscles

ShouldersMusculus deltoideus
Front shouldersMusculus deltoideus, pars clavicularis
LatsMusculus latissimus dorsi
TricepsMusculus triceps brachii
HamstringsMusculi ischiocrurales

Equipment: No equipment
Level: beginner
Loop: One repetition, 2.9 seconds

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Part of the stretch pack, all 16 stretch variations: male figure (the female figure follows), GIF, WebP and MP4 at 480 and 720 px, commercial license.

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From the API

GET one exercise

curl https://api.exercisegif.com/v1/exercises/downward-dog \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $EXERCISEGIF_KEY"

Returns the exercise with GIF, WebP and MP4 links for both figures. Docs

How to do a downward dog

Start on all fours, then tuck your toes and lift your hips up and back.
Straighten your legs as much as possible, pressing heels toward the floor.
Spread your fingers wide and press firmly through your palms.
Let your head hang naturally between your arms.

Form tips

Create an inverted V-shape with your body.
Keep a slight bend in your knees if your hamstrings are tight.
Rotate your upper arms outward to broaden the shoulders.