The Hundred
Setup
Lie on your back with your arms by your sides, palms down. Draw your knees in to your chest. Pelvis in imprint, lower back on the mat.
Steps
- InhaleLengthen the back of your neck and prepare.
- ExhaleLift your head and shoulders up to the base of your shoulder blades.
- ExhaleExtend your legs to eye level and lift your arms just above the mat.
- InhalePump your straight arms vigorously 5 times, 15–20 cm (6–8 in) up and down.
- ExhalePump 5 more times.
- NaturalAfter 10 cycles, draw your knees in to your chest and lower your head.
Cues
Pump from the shoulders, not the wrists
Squeeze your heels and inner thighs together
“Your palms are slapping the surface of the water”
Mistakes and fixes
Neck straining → lower your head and keep going
Lower back lifting → raise your legs or bend your knees
Pumping from the wrists → move from the shoulder
Muscles
Primary: rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis
Secondary: obliques, latissimus dorsi
Caution
Neck injury → keep your head on the mat
Disc herniation → knees bent in tabletop