Candle pose (Shoulder stand, Candlestick)

Muscles

• Teres minor
• Teres major
• Posterior deltoid
• Middle trapezius
• Latissimus dorsi
• Rhomboid major
• Triceps brachii (long head)

Technique

1. Lie on your back, with the arms on the ground alongside your body.
2. Lift the legs up, then also lift your hips and back off the ground, hinging at the shoulders.
3. Point your feet up and try to push them as high as possible.
4. Apply some pressure on your arms for balance.

Form tips

1. Aim to form a straight line from the shoulders to the feet and push the feet straight up.

Similar Exercises

• Headstand
• Straight-arm headstand
• Crossed legs support candle pose
• Wall forearm stand
• One-leg tripod headstand

Equipment

• Ground (hands or body)