06/03/2025
My Love-Hate Relationship with Wheel Pose / Urdhva Dhanurasana
Ah, Wheel Pose—the ultimate backbend that some people can’t get enough of, and others… well, would rather skip altogether. If you’ve ever felt both excitement and dread when it comes to this pose, you’re not alone.
There’s something about Wheel that just brings things up—physically, emotionally, even mentally. Some days, it feels expansive and exhilarating, like your whole body is waking up. Other days, it feels like an impossible battle against tight shoulders, stubborn hip flexors, or a back that just doesn’t want to bend that way.
Why I Love It
Let’s be real—when Wheel Pose feels good, it feels really good. It’s like a full-body energy boost. Your heart is open, your breath is deep, and you might even feel a little victorious just for getting up there.
It’s empowering—there’s something about pressing up into this big, bold backbend that makes you feel strong.
It’s a wake-up call—seriously, after holding Wheel for a few breaths, you’re wide awake. No coffee required.
It can be an emotional release—backbends are heart openers, and sometimes, they help us let go of stress, tension, or even emotions we didn’t realize we were holding onto.
Why I Kind of Hate It
Of course, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Some days, Wheel feels like an uphill battle.
It demands a lot—strong arms, open shoulders, flexible hips, a stable core… if any of these areas are tight or weak, Wheel will let you know.
It can feel intense—not just physically, but emotionally. Backbends open the heart, which can make some people feel vulnerable or even anxious.
It’s frustrating when it doesn’t click—if your shoulders feel stuck or your lower back is doing all the work, it’s easy to get discouraged.
Making Peace with Wheel
If Wheel Pose isn’t your best friend yet, don’t worry. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
Warm up well—Bridge Pose, shoulder openers, and hip stretches can make a huge difference.
Modify when needed—blocks under your hands, or even sticking with Bridge Pose can help build confidence.
Breathe through the resistance—sometimes, the hardest part is just staying with it, noticing the discomfort without forcing anything.
And if you don’t love Wheel Pose? That’s okay too. Your practice is about what serves you, not what Instagram says you should be able to do. Keep showing up, keep exploring, and who knows—maybe one day, Wheel Pose will surprise you.
