To me, the big advantage of a movement like this over and above a combination of individual stretches is that the cobra would likely effect the whole fascial chain instead of just individual muscles. If you have control over the lumbar spine and no extension issues to speak of I’d say go for it.

I hope that answers your question.

With respect to the Cobra Pose, how do you feel about the way it is being performed in the picture posted? Is this the type of movement, that essentially needs to be modified (as opposed to being performed how it is often depicted) to be of value/without having the risk:reward ratio skewed towards risk? Essentially I am wondering who/what situations may actually “need” it, as opposed to cases where it is contraindicated or not warranted/wouldn’t provide any real benefit over and above whatever is being done to have you where you’re currently at in terms of posture and function.

I used to perform it regularly and focused on posterior tilting to prevent any undue APT and lumbar hyperextension and eased into the movement as opposed to torquing the low back. But then when I started seeing a lot of people speaking out against movements like this, I got ultra conservative and dropped it. Now I am trying to decide if that was a mistake on my part.

I suppose another way of framing this would be if you think there is anything provided by this pose that can’t be had (either to the same degree or possibly even more so) via a combination of other options; likewise, do you feel there may be benefits here that simply cannot be had unless choosing to perform this movement and doing so in what you’d consider an optimal manner?

Sorry for getting a bit verbose, but as always thank you for any insight and for suffering fools like me gladly

As Emily’s strength was the most impressive I’ve seen in a while, Terry Crews’ Euro Training is the funniest. Hilarious!

Good stuff!