Let’s talk Wheel Pose. In yoga, it’s one of those poses that everyone sees and thinks: “Wow, that looks amazing… but also terrifying.” And honestly? That’s kind of the point. Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) isn’t about bending yourself into a pretzel. It’s strength, mobility, and maybe a little mental toughness too.
I get tons of questions about Wheel Pose, so let’s break it all down. This isn’t a demo, just me answering the big FAQs so you know what you’re working toward and how to do it without wrecking your back (or your confidence).
What is Wheel Pose in yoga?
Wheel Pose is a big, bold backbend. It builds strength in your legs, glutes, arms, and shoulders while opening your chest, spine, and hips. Translation: it’s not just a stretch, it’s a full-body workout disguised as a yoga pose.
In Sanskrit it’s called Urdhva Dhanurasana, which literally means “Upward Bow.” Same thing, just fancier.
https://youtu.be/NmN3Xsw8iH4
Yoga Wheel Pose vs Bridge Pose
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) is Wheel’s warm-up act.
Bridge is the supportive best friend: easier on your body, shorter lever, less pressure on the shoulders and wrists.
Wheel is the flashy lead singer: deeper extension, more strength, more mobility.
In my classes (live or on-demand), we always do Bridge first. It’s the “don’t skip leg day” of backbends builds the foundation so Wheel feels possible.
Why is Wheel Pose so difficult for me?
Because your body is human, that’s why. A few reasons it might feel like your body is screaming “nope”:
Tight shoulders, hips, or chest. Desk jobs, weightlifting, life in general = tight muscles.
Weak glutes/core. Without them, your low back does all the heavy lifting (ouch).
Mental resistance. Backbends are vulnerable. It’s not unusual to hit that nope factor the second you try.
That’s why we prep, strengthen, and warm up before we even think about pressing up.
What are the Benefits of Wheel Pose
Why put yourself through all this? Because Wheel delivers.
Strength: Legs, glutes, arms, core — it hits everything.
Mobility: Opens up the tight spots from sitting, scrolling, and slouching.
Confidence: That moment you push up and realize “holy crap, I did it” = priceless.
Can anyone do Wheel Pose?
With progressions, most people can work toward it. But let’s be real, it’s not for everyone.
Skip it (or stick with alternatives) if you’re pregnant, nursing an injury, or if your body just says “not today.”
Great alternatives that still give you the benefits:
Bridge Pose
Supported Fish
Camel Pose
Remember: you don’t have to hit the “Instagram version” of Wheel to get stronger and more open.
Is Wheel Pose good for beginners?
It’s usually labeled as “advanced,” but that’s just yoga-speak for “takes some practice.” Beginners can absolutely start working toward it.
Start with:
Bridge Pose (with or without blocks)
Camel Pose
Supported Fish
Strength + mobility drills for your glutes, shoulders, and core
You don’t just roll out of bed, yawn, and press into Wheel (if you do, please don’t tell me 😅). You build toward it.
Common Mistakes in Wheel Pose
If Wheel feels funky, here’s why:
Knees splaying out → fix it by squeezing a block or pressing into big toes.
Dumping into low back → lengthen tailbone, lift chest, spread the bend.
Wrists/elbows collapsing → warm up, spread fingers, or use a strap/block for support.
Small tweaks = huge difference.
The Bottom Line
Wheel Pose is a challenge but it’s not out of reach. The real win isn’t the perfect pose for Instagram, it’s the strength, resilience, and confidence you build along the way.
Want More?
If you’re serious about backbends, check out my Backbend Badass Program. It’s a step-by-step system that takes you from “nope” to “holy crap, I can do this” with:
Pose tutorials (Bridge, Wheel, Camel, Supported Fish)
Flows you can repeat to build strength + mobility...