What Is Crocodile And Plank Pose In Yoga

The crocodile pose which is known as Makarasana and the plank pose are two different yoga postures. Let’s look at the crocodile pose and how it’s done.

Makarasana (The Crocodile Pose): A simple posture, the crocodile pose is relaxation posture. While doing this posture, the body resembles a crocodile, thus, it’s known as the crocodile pose. ‘Makar’ is the Sanskrit word for crocodile. A relaxation pose, Makarasana is done between other yoga pose to relax the body and calm the mind. For those who cannot lie on their back because of medical reasons, can do the crocodile pose to relax instead of the corpse pose.

Benefits Of The Crocodile Pose: There are several benefits of the crocodile pose –

• This pose relaxes the body and calms the mind.

• It lowers blood pressure and is good for people with hypertension and high blood pressure.

• The crocodile pose prevents scoliosis and flatulence.

This yoga asana is good for the digestion.

• It reduces tiredness after doing strenuous asanas and relaxes the muscles.

• This pose is good for those suffering from respiratory problems as the crocodile pose corrects and relieves breathing problems.

• Good for coping with anxiety and stress, the crocodile pose is good for curing insomnia.

The Plank Position (Kumbhakasana): The plank position is good for strengthening the back and the arms.

While the crocodile position is good for relaxation, the plank position good for those who want to strengthen their spine, back and arms. This yoga pose strengthens the upper body. While doing the crocodile pose, the body looks like that of a crocodile; in the plank pose the posture is that of the up position of a push-up. You have to keep your body in a straight line, without letting the buttocks sag. Your hands should be placed directly under your shoulders while performing this pose. You can hold the plank pose from anywhere from 15 seconds to 5 minutes.

The Plank Pose is part of the sequence of positions in the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation). This pose can either be practiced as part of the Surya Namaskar or can be done individually.

Benefits Of The Plank Pose:

• The plank pose strengthens the wrists, arms, shoulders, spine and the back.

• This yoga posture tightens your abdominal muscles and develops the core strength of the body.

• The plank pose tones up the triceps.

• It is beneficial for the nervous system.