This pose goes by many names including “reverse plank,” and “upward-facing plank” pose. The Sanskrit name translates to “intense east stretch.” ...SkipNavigationHomeYogaYogaHomeYogaPracticesYogaSeriesYogaLifestyleYogaTeachersFitness&PilatesMeditationSeriesGaiaOriginalsAllOtherSeriesBonusInterviewsDocs&FilmsTopicsNewVideosEventsEventsHomeWatchOnDemandWatchLiveAboutLiveAccessArticles...NewsRecipesAlternativeHealingFood&NutritionEnergyHealingLongevity&WellnessTransformationSpiritualGrowthPersonalDevelopmentExpandedConsciousnessSeekingTruthMetaphysicsSecrets&CoverUpsAncientOriginsParanormal&UnexplainedReversePlankPose:Purvottanasana2minreadByGaiaStaff|September21,2016|Yoga,Focus,YogaPosesPurvottanasana(PUR-voh-tah-NAH-sah-nah)isasiblingofbridgeposeandplankpose.Reverseplankmaylookintimidatingfortheshoulders,butthereareseveralvariationsofthepose,allofwhichcanhelpopenthefrontofthebodywhilestrengtheningtheback.PhilosophyandOrigin:Thisposegoesbymanynamesincluding“reverseplank,”and“upward-facingplank”pose.TheSanskritnametranslatesto“intenseeaststretch.”Ancientyogisconsideredthefrontofthebodytobethe“east”sideasyogawaspracticedwhilefacingtherisingsun.Sanskrit:Purva:eastUt:intenseTan:stretchAsana:posePhysicalBenefits:Opensthechestandshoulders.Buildsandtonesthecoremuscles.Countersforward-facingtaskslikesittingatadesk,driving,andlookingataphone.EnergeticBenefits:Releasestensionfromthebody.Relievesfatigueandstress.PreparatoryPoses:Camelpose|UstrasanaBridgepose|SetubandhasanaPlankpose|PhalakasanaSequentialPoses:One-leggedreverseplank|EkapadapurvottanasanaUpward-facingbowpose|UrdhvadhanurasanaCounterPoses:Halflordofthefishes|ArdhamatsyendrasanaSeatedforwardfold|PaschimottanasanaChildspose|BalasanaAdjustments/Modifications:Useablock:Buildinnercorestrengthbyplacingablockinbetweenyourthighs,thensqueezetheblockasyouliftintothepose.Halfreverseplank:Placethesolesofyourfeetonthegroundwithkneesbentforavariationoffullreverseplank.Step-By-Step:Beginseatedwithyourlegsoutinfrontofyou.Reachthroug