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Prone Press-Up (Cobra)

Reviewed by Jules T., certified yoga teacher · Difficulty 1/3

Prone Press-Up (Cobra) — clay illustration

A gentle extension move that many stiff, flexion-heavy backs find relieving — especially after long sitting. Let the hips hang heavy and the lower back soften.

How to do it

  1. Lie face down on a firm surface with hands under your shoulders.
  2. Keeping your hips on the floor, press up through your hands to lift only your upper body.
  3. Straighten your elbows as far as is comfortable, letting your lower back sag.
  4. Hold 1–2 seconds at the top, then slowly lower. Repeat 10 times.

Common mistakes

  • Lifting the hips off the floor and turning it into a plank.
  • Shrugging the shoulders toward the ears.
  • Pushing into a range that pinches instead of releases.

Take care

  • Skip if you feel sharp pain in your back.
  • Stop if pressing up sends symptoms further down the leg — that is a signal to see a professional.

This is one pose. A plan tells you which six, in what order, for your back.

60-second check-in · First session free
🔒 In the program: breathing & tempo cues, gentler and harder variations, and where Prone Press-Up (Cobra) fits in your week — unlocked with your personal plan.

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Educational movement guidance — not medical advice. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, please see a healthcare professional.