Wild Thing

camatkārāsana•चमत्कारासन
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Wild Thing
Backbends•Chest Openers•Strength•Balancing•Standing•Intermediate•vinyasa
M

Maya - Pose Assistant

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Benefits

Wild Thing is an exuberant backbend/chest opener, often entered from Side Plank/Downward Dog. Stretches front body, opens heart, builds shoulder/arm/core strength, improves balance.

Practice Guide

1

From Downward Dog: Lift right leg (Three-Legged Dog). Bend right knee, open right hip.

2

Shift weight onto left hand/outer edge left foot. Pivot left foot (toes point back/side).

3

Gently lower right foot to floor behind left leg, right knee bent, foot flat.

4

Press left hand/both feet. Inhale, lift hips high, sweep right arm up/over head, arch back, open chest to ceiling.

5

Left leg straight, right knee bent. Gaze to right hand/ceiling.

6

Hold, breathe. Exit: exhale, lower hips, sweep right arm down, return Downward Dog/Plank. Repeat left.

Modifications

Bottom knee on floor (from modified Side Plank).

Forearm Wild Thing.

Less back arch, focus on chest opening/hip lift.

Top hand on hip/straight up.

Safety Notes

⚠Rotator cuff/shoulder problems (supporting arm).

⚠Carpal tunnel/wrist issues (modify/avoid).

⚠Back injuries aggravated by back/side bends.

⚠Neck sensitivities.

Anatomy

Muscles Targeted

Supporting arm/shoulder (deltoid, triceps, rotator cuff)
Core (obliques)
Standing leg (glutes, quads)
Spinal extensors

Muscles Stretched

Chest
Shoulders (front of lifted arm)
Side body
Hip flexors (top leg)

What's Next?

Maya suggests trying these poses:

Downward Facing Dog

Gentle counter to release and balance

BeginnerTry This →

Focus Areas

Expressive BackbendHeart OpenerShoulder StrengthCore Strength ObliquesBalanceSide Plank VariationEnergizingTransitional Pose

Yoga Styles

Signature of
vinyasa
Also practiced in
powercreative_flow
⚠️ Typically avoided in
ashtangaiyengaryinrestorativegentle_hatha
vinyasaSignature pose often integrated into creative flow sequences, multiple entry and exit options
powerUsed as an empowering peak pose in strength-building sequences
creative_flowCentral to expressive movement sequences, often combined with other dynamic transitions
general_modificationsBeginners practice modified versions with knee down or forearm support

Sequencing

Warm-up Poses

Side PlankDownward Facing DogThree Legged DogBridgeReverse Table TopGate

Counter Poses

Downward Facing DogChildsThread The NeedleGentle Forward FoldTable Top

✨ Maya's Tips

These insights help Maya understand how this pose flows with others when creating sequences and classes.

Expressive Joyful Backbend From Side Plank Or DownDogPowerful Heart Opener Combines Strength Balance FlexibilityOften Liberating Peak Or Dynamic TransitionEnsure Supporting Shoulder Stable Strong