The puppy pose is a backbend that gets its name thanks to the fact it looks similar to stretches done by dogs when they wave their tail in the air and extend their front legs out.

The exercise is great because:

It opens the chest muscles: arching the back opens the muscles at the front of the body, which are commonly tight from extended periods with forward-hunching posture.

It reaches into the back: you’ll probably feel this stretch all through the ribcage as you create space through lengthening.

It’s relaxing: it may be intense, but it’s also a gentle inversion (when your heart is higher than your head), which is known to have calming effects.

Move of the week: puppy dog pose eases a stiff upper back and tight chest