Hug a Tree - Dandasana
In Pilates: It exactly resembles the "Hug a Tree" movement within the "Seated Arm Work" series, which is a very fundamental sequence on the Reformer, Cadillac, or Springboard apparatus. Keeping the torso upright and trying to bring the arms together in front while the resistance comes from behind is the heart of this series. In Yoga: The position of the lower body and the perfectly upright alignment of the spine is a flawless Dandasana (Staff Pose) form. Although there is no spring resistance in yoga, the philosophy of keeping the spine upright at a 90-degree angle against gravity without support is entirely based on Dandasana.
Works This movement generates dynamic power in the upper body while requiring very rigid isometric (static) stabilization in the core region and lower body: · Chest and Front Shoulder Muscles · Core Muscles · Erector Spinae (Spinal Erectors)
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