-1735127578934.webp)
With the release of the new teaser for Superman: Legacy, excitement is growing among fans for the new actor, David Corenswet, who will play Superman. His famous pose of flying with arms stretched out in front is actually a yoga position that offers various physical benefits, especially for strengthening the back and core muscles.
This pose, originally called Viparita Salabhasana in Sanskrit, helps strengthen the back, arms, legs, and stomach. To learn more about its benefits, we spoke to our expert, Vaishali Chauhan, a certified yoga teacher, who provided more details about the asana.
What Is Superman Yoga Pose?
The Superman Pose, also called Viparita Shalabhasana in Sanskrit, is a yoga position that looks like Superman flying through the sky. According to Vaishali Chauhan, a certified yoga teacher, “the meaning of this pose is that you are moving your body up and down while lying on your stomach.”
She further explains, “in this position, your body is fully stretched. Your upper body, arms, shoulders, chest, and lower legs are all lifted off the ground, while your navel remains on the floor. We call this pose Viparita Salabhasana, and in English, it is known as the Superman Pose.” This pose is not only enjoyable but also provides many physical benefits, especially for strengthening the back and core muscles.
How to Perform the Viparita Salabhasana (Superman Yoga Pose)?
To recreate the iconic Superman flying pose (Viparita Salabhasana), one needs to follow the mentioned points.
Starting Position: Begin by lying flat on your stomach with your toes resting on the floor and your chin on the mat. Ensure your legs are close together, with your feet lightly touching.
Arm Position: Stretch your arms out in front of you as far as possible, keeping them straight and parallel to each other.
Lifting Up: Take a deep breath in. As you inhale, lift your chest, arms, legs, and thighs off the ground simultaneously. Imagine yourself as Superman flying through the air. Instead of trying to lift higher, focus on stretching your arms and legs away from your torso to create length.
Maintain Awareness: Keep breathing steadily and concentrate on the stretch throughout your body. Ensure that your elbows and knees remain straight during this pose.
Lowering Down: As you exhale, gently lower your chest, arms, and legs back down to the mat.
Repetition: You can repeat this pose several times, holding each lift for a few breaths. As you become more comfortable, try to hold it for longer durations.
What Are the Benefits Of Viparita Salabhasana (Superman Yoga Pose)?
Our expert, Vaishali, further explains that the Superman Pose (Viparita Salabhasana) is very good for our back because it stretches the upper body. She notes that it also stretches the shoulders and puts pressure on the back and abdominal muscles when you lift your body. This pose can be especially beneficial for conditions like diabetes, uterine issues, and problems with private organs.
“If you're a beginner, it's best to practice this pose under the guidance of a qualified trainer. The Superman Pose is considered an intermediate level pose, so having some prior practice to improve flexibility is important. As you perform Salabhasana, you will notice increased flexibility and strength in your body, as the muscles being stretched will become toned due to the pressure involved”
Below are some key advantages of practising this yoga posture for a better posture.
- Strengthens Back Muscles: The Superman Pose is particularly effective at strengthening the lower back, which can help alleviate back pain and improve overall spinal support.
- Engages Core Muscles: This pose activates the core muscles, enhancing stability and strength in the abdominal region, which is crucial for good posture and injury prevention.
- Improves Posture: Regular practice can lead to better posture by strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
- Increases Flexibility: The pose helps stretch and lengthen the muscles in the chest, shoulders, and legs, contributing to overall flexibility in these areas.
- Enhances Blood Circulation: By engaging multiple muscle groups and promoting movement, this pose improves blood circulation throughout the body.
- Boosts Mental Focus: Practicing the Superman Pose requires concentration and awareness, helping to enhance the mind-body connection and promote mindfulness.