Wild Thing Pose (Chamatkarasana)

A joyful, free-spirited backbend that unfurls from Side Plank by flipping the body open, landing one foot behind the other and allowing the top arm to sweep overhead in a sweeping arc of chest expansion. It opens the entire front body — chest, hip flexors, and shoulder — while strengthening the wrist and arm of the supporting hand. The pose brings a sense of playfulness and liberation to any flow and pairs beautifully with transitions through Downward Dog.

Cues

• Root down through your bottom hand and lift your hips high so your spine lengthens rather than sags toward the floor.
• Let your top arm sweep all the way overhead with an open palm to encourage a full side and chest stretch.
• Press into the ball of your foot on the floor behind you to support the lift of your hips and protect your supporting wrist.
• Breathe expansively into your upper chest as you open, letting the inhale deepen the arch naturally.