Backbend asanas

reclining back-bending posture in hatha yoga

thumb|right|Chakrasana Chakrasana () or Urdhva Dhanurasana () is a backbending asana in yoga as exercise. The one-legged variant is often chosen by yoga practitioners who wish to advertise themselves.

thumb|Ustrasana

thumb |upright=1.35 |Matsyasana

thumb|upright=1.3|Salabhasana

thumb|upright=1.3|Anjaneyasana, Crescent Moon pose

thumb|Kapotasana, Pigeon pose, not to be confused with Rajakapotasana, King Pigeon pose Kapotasana (; ) or Pigeon Pose is a kneeling back-bending asana in modern yoga as exercise. Asanas based on One-legged King Pigeon pose, Rajakapotasana, are also sometimes called "Pigeon".

seated back-bending posture in modern yoga

thumb|upright|Contortionist doing a backbend A backbend is a gymnastics, contortion, dance and ice skating move, where the spine is bent backwards, and catching oneself with the hands. Throughout the move, the abdominal muscles, obliques, and legs are used to steady the performer while curving backwards. Modern yoga includes some backbending asanas. Backbending can be acquired from intense training or genetics.

backbend asana

thumb|upright=1.2|Bidalasana, or Cat Pose, at an outdoor yoga event thumb|upright=1.2|The counter-posture, Bitilasana, or Cow Pose Bidalasana (; ) or Marjariasana (; ), both meaning Cat Pose in Sanskrit, is a kneeling asana in modern yoga as exercise. A variant with one leg held up is Vyaghrasana (; ), Tiger Pose; a similar variant with one leg held straight out is Chakravakasana (; ), Sunbird Pose. A variant with the back lowered is Bitilasana (; ), Cow Pose; this is often used as the counter-posture, and a widely used exercise is to alternate between Cat and Cow Poses repeatedly.