The second and eleventh steps of the classical Hatha Surya Namaskar. From standing, inhale and sweep the arms overhead and back, arching gently from the upper back with the hips pressed slightly forward. The arms stay straight and beside the ears and travel back with the chest as one unit, while the gaze lifts toward the hands and the neck stays long and engaged. Unlike Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana), the torso does not stay vertical — the backbend is the pose.
▶ Practice Raised Arms Pose with AI cameraBegin in Prayer Pose or Mountain Pose, feet together, legs straight without locking the knees, weight even across both feet. Stand side-on to the camera so the backbend can be seen.
💡 The backbend is invisible face-on — turn side-on before you raise the arms.
Inhale and raise both arms overhead, straight and parallel, shoulder-width apart, with the biceps beside the ears and the palms facing forward.
💡 Keep the elbows straight and the arms beside the ears, not out in front of the face.
Press the hips gently forward and arch back from the upper back, taking the arms back WITH the chest. Lift the gaze toward the hands while keeping the neck long. Hold for a breath, then exhale into the forward bend.
💡 Do not reach the hands past the head on their own, and never let the head drop back — the neck stays engaged.
Turn on your webcam and let CheckMyPose's AI check your alignment, score your form, and guide you — free, no install.
▶ Start Raised Arms Pose