Open the front body carefully
Yoga Backbend Poses
Backbends combine spinal extension with active support from the legs, shoulders and core.
How to use this collection
Build gradually through smaller backbends before deeper shapes. Seek even length through the spine rather than concentrating the movement in the lower back.
Open any guide for step-by-step instructions, Sanskrit naming, modifications and specific cautions. The labels are a practical browsing aid—not a guarantee that every pose suits every person.
Browse the guides
15 yoga backbend poses
Choose a pose to see its full illustrated guide and related practices.
01Beginner
Cobra Pose
Bhujangasana
02Beginner
Bridge Pose
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
03Intermediate
Camel Pose
Ustrasana
04Advanced
Wheel Pose
Urdhva Dhanurasana
05Advanced
King Pigeon Pose
Kapotasana
06Beginner
Sphinx Pose
Salamba Bhujangasana
07Intermediate
Locust Pose
Salabhasana
08Intermediate
Bow Pose
Dhanurasana
09Intermediate
Fish Pose
Matsyasana
10Intermediate
Upward-Facing Dog
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
11Intermediate
Half Frog Pose
Ardha Bhekasana
12Advanced
Upward-Facing Two-Foot Staff
Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana
13Advanced
Frog Pose
Bhekasana
14Intermediate
Reclined Hero Pose
Supta Virasana
15Advanced
Little Thunderbolt Pose
Laghu Vajrasana