Ashtanga Drop Backs (Part 1): The Fundamentals

A close look at the fundamental movements involved in dropping back & standing up from Urdhva Dhanurasana in the Ashtanga Yoga back bending sequence with Ethan Ward (Authorized Level II teacher) | Posted: August 2020
Watch Part 2 Here:
Ashtanga Drop Backs (Part 2): Step-by-Step Without A Teacher • Ashtanga Drop Backs (P...
Link:
The Perfect Backbend & How To Get There | Urdhva Dhanurasana • The Perfect Backbend &...
Yogis - In part one of this video series we'll be exploring the dropbacks in the Ashtanga Yoga backbending sequence. Often seen as the gatekeeper for the intermediate series, this part of the sequence can be exceptionally challenging to learn, and involved a few movement patterns that go somewhat against the instincts of a new practitioner to this. Here, I'll identify just a few of those key areas so you can put your awareness into them as you practice towards more proficient drop backs. Always remember that the key to your progress here is sustainable (and sustained!) practice - my very good friend, Dylan Bernstein once said that in the Ashtanga practice, restraint is the crown jewel - perfect advice for any yoga practitioner learning how to move through this complex set of positions.
Anatomically, here we have the deepest form of spinal extension in the Ashtanga Primary Series. Dropping back & standing up also builds tremendous strength in both the physical body & the nervous system. Open shoulders & hip flexors will take you a long way, as they move pressure off the spine to do all the hard work, but learning how to use your back to "back bend" is the cornerstone here. In this video I'll touch on just a few of the many many cues that will help you with the journey.
[Ending track by Sedivi]
Subscribe by hitting the red button to see Part 2 where I'll teach you how to work on this if you're practicing without a teacher to give you physical support & adjustments
As always - You're welcome to share this video with all the yogis.
Actual Love to all!
Jai
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Instagram:
ethanashtanga
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Ashtanga Drop Backs (Part 1): The Fundamentals | (Posted August 2020)

[@Falling_Stardust]

Another great video... Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!

[@ethanashtanga]

Thank you Claire - So happy you’re enjoying them⚡️

[@Zimuahaha]

I will get this someday....

[@shab525]

Thank you for explaining it in details..

[@olhaseraque]

amazing, thank you so much

[@olivierbarre4712]

This video is awesome 😊

[@anitaangraini2076]

Thank you for your video.it’s really helpful for me

[@robinward7985]

Really so awesome! You put so much work into this! Proud of YOU

[@ethanashtanga]

Robin Ward The wise Rihana Ji once said “work work work work work” which was actually one of the hidden messages in her hit song “work”... So inspiring!

[@robinward7985]

@@ethanashtanga hahahahaha!!!!

[@dankay4351]

Great details here.

[@thaisvaquero7276]

Really helpful! Thank you

[@yogawithellie1615]

amazing information 💝💝💝💝

[@yogawithmoran9611]

Thank you ❤

[@TheWziuum]

Very helpful video :) thank you :)

[@benevincit8244]

🌷🌷🌷

[@RohitDhavade]

good details

[@isabellamastino]

Thank you for this video so usefull!!! 🙏✨

[@ethanashtanga]

I’m glad it was valuable to you⚡️

[@jeny701005]

I’ve found that primary towards to urdhva danuasana eventually and drop back& come up is the ultimate posture that we could get from it. Never felt easy but cherished it as well

[@ethanashtanga]

So true, the difficulty is part of what makes this practice so rewarding⚡️

[@shivaorahkittrell9968]

Thanks for putting these videos together Ethan! I love backbends and am working on my drop backs. I practice dropping back on the second or third step of a staircase. I can’t come up from the floor yet. I do these periodically throughout the work day. They make my spine feel better. I’m going to incorporate your tips here, especially the one about not taking the head back right away. I can see some areas where I’m going wrong.

[@ethanashtanga]

Orah Kittrell Of course! I appreciate hearing from you. The safest place & time to get deeper into backbending will be inside the context of your practice - then allowing time for recovery and adaptation to integrate the new work. I’ll put another video out soon with step-by-step progressions towards dropping back fluidly when you’re not ready to do it alone from the ground - I think that will be a useful one! Stay in touch & let me know how you go.

[@shivaorahkittrell9968]

@@ethanashtanga Thanks for your response. I agree with what you said about allowing time for recovery and integration. I really look forward to your new video. I will keep you posted on my progress. Keep up the great videos! You clearly put a lot of time and care into them.

[@solotraveller4157]

Subscribed man

[@kandaridhanbir4962]

Gud technique

[@mandeepsaharan9245]

👏👌👍

[@venusdewi9647]

The most detail explanation of dropback, replayed this over and over again 👍👍👍 Please submit more videos. I wanna learn how to successfully move from tripod to kukutasana without smashing my 🍑 to the floor 😉

[@avniworld762]

veryyyy helpful video sir..new frnd here👌👌👌😊

[@bex2012week]

another super helpful video! Thanks so much for doing this, Ethan! :) should the full version of dropbacks ultimately be done with straight arms from the beginning? For me it feels way better to start with hands in prayers position in front of the chest but I thought the "goal" would be to straighten the arms? Again thanks a lot! :)

[@pettahulme3307]

Hi thankyou for the video, how does you loose tension in the posterior chain? thank you

[@dipakmajumdar1213]

Please speak less