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Exercise guide

Downward Dog to Low Lunge

The standard step-through: from downward dog one foot travels forward between the hands into a low lunge, then returns. It opens the hip flexor of the trailing leg and rehearses the transition used throughout flow practice.

What this exercise works

Muscles
hip flexors · gluteus maximus · quadriceps
Goals
mobility
Equipment
No equipment
Category
Stretching
Difficulty
beginner

Demonstration

Downward Dog to Low Lunge Step 1

Step 1

Downward Dog to Low Lunge Step 2

Step 2

How to perform the movement

  1. Start in downward dog with the hands shoulder-width apart.
  2. Shift the weight forward and step one foot up between the hands.
  3. Lower the back knee to the floor and sink the hips into a low lunge.
  4. Press back through the hands, lift the back knee and step the front foot back to downward dog.
  5. Repeat on the other side and keep alternating.

Technique cues and common mistakes

  • Step the foot all the way to the hands rather than landing short and shuffling.
  • Pad the back knee with a folded mat if the floor is hard.
  • Keep the front knee above the ankle when the hips sink.

This is general movement information. It is not medical advice or an individual prescription.

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