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    Person practising Wild Thing (Camatkarasana), balancing on one hand and both feet while lifting the hips and reaching the opposite arm overhead in a backbend.
    Teacher: Peter Power
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    Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)

    A playful and expressive backbend that combines strength, grace, and a sense of freedom.

    Category: Backbend 

    Difficulty: Intermediate

    Sanskrit/Pronunciation: Camatkarasana (chah-maht-kah-RAHS-uh-nuh)

    Main Focus: Shoulders, Chest, Spine, Core, Hips

    Props: Yoga Mat, Yoga Brick

    Wild Thing (Camatkarasana) is an energising backbend that combines strength, balance and openness through the front of the body. Practised by grounding through one hand and both feet while lifting the hips and reaching the opposite arm overhead, the pose creates an expansive opening across the chest and front body. It builds strength through the arms, shoulders and core while encouraging mobility through the spine and hips.

    How to Practise
    1. Begin in Downward-Facing Dog
    2. Shift your weight into your right hand and roll onto the outer edge of your right foot
    3. Step your left foot behind you, placing the ball of the foot on the floor with a bent knee
    4. Let the hips lift and open, reaching your left arm overhead and back, chest arcing towards the sky
    5. Keep the right arm strong and grounded, supporting the lift through your heart
    6. Stay for 3–5 breaths, then gently return to Downward Dog and repeat on the other side
    Benefits
    • Opens the chest, shoulders, and front body
    • Strengthens the arms, back, and legs
    • Builds confidence and energetic lift
    • Encourages freedom of movement and creativity
    Modifications
    • Practise near a wall for support when building strength or confidence
    • Keep the back foot closer to the body to reduce intensity
    • If shoulder-sensitive, don't raise the arm overhead 
    • Avoid if you have shoulder, wrist, or lower back issues

    Props to Support Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)

    Props can help create more space and support as you explore Wild Thing. Place a yoga brick beneath the supporting hand to raise the floor, reducing the depth of the backbend and helping to support alignment through the wrist, arm and shoulder. A yoga brick can also be placed beneath the foot of the bent leg if you need to raise the floor and create additional support.

    Yogamatters Yoga Brick
    Yoga Brick
    £9.00
    Yogamatters Eco Flow Yoga Mat
    Eco Flow Yoga Mat
    £79.00
    sustainable eco friendly natural cork yoga block brick prop
    Cork Brick
    £15.00