Challenge Level: Easy

Sphinx pose is a beginner's backbend that's accessible to most yoga practitioners. This pose strengthens the spine while stretching the chest, shoulders, stomach and the front of the heart. To enter this pose, the practitioner lies down on the belly with the legs extended as though preparing for cobra pose. The forearms are placed on the floor, parallel to each other, with the middle fingers pointing directly forward. The chest and head are lifted off the floor while the pubic bone is pressed down. The shoulder blades press into the back, stretching the spine while the chest pushes forward.