10/29/2025
The first posture of our Spine Strengthening Series in Bikram Yoga is Cobra Pose. Sanskrit name: Bhujanga-Asana. Bikram says Cobra Pose and Rabbit Pose are miraculously healing postures for the spine. Why? Because they both target the muscles, bones and joints of the lower spine. Cobra Pose taught in Bikram Yoga is very different from the way it’s practiced in other yoga styles. In Bikram Yoga you have to use 100% of your lower back strength to lift your body up until only the belly button is touching the floor. There is a gentle push with the hands to support the lower back but arms/elbows are bent and stretching back towards the hips.
1. Pelvis is pushed into the floor. Belly button stays touching the floor throughout this posture. This action compresses the internal organs and the digestive system. The compression stimulates important glands and organs that help in digestion. Also stretches the front part of your body, as is the nature of every backbend.
2. Heals the spine. Starting from the cervical spine and ending at the tailbone, each and every vertebra of the spinal column gets an incredible workout. The back of the spine compresses and naturally the front of the spine opens up. Cobra Pose strengthens the muscles, bones and joints of the lower spine and the entire lower body.
3. Backbends compress the kidneys in the back. The kidneys get a good squish which encourage circulation of blood. The adrenal glands on top of both kidneys also benefit tremendously from this backbend. These glands produce hormones that take care of metabolism, immune system, blood pressure and stress management.
Strong Spine - Strong YOU!
Nobody messes with a Cobra 🐍
Bikram Yoga is hard but it’s worth it. Every minute is worth it. Every posture is worth it. Every class you practice is an investment into your health’s future account. It’s a very, very, very wise investment. Because the return on investment in your Bikram Yoga practice is limitless. Along with a healthy present, you will also have a healthy future.