Y’all know heart-openers hold a special place in my practice. Not only do they take me to a place of gratitude and peace, but they just feel oh-so-good to my body! That’s why Wheel Pose is one of my absolute faorite heart-opening yoga poses.

Here are 3 Ways to Prep For Wheel Pose.

1. Puppy Pose

Starting in tabletop position, tuck your toes and walk your hands towards the front of your mat until your arms are fully extended with palms flat on your mat. Your gze can be forward or you can rest your forehead to your mat. Hold for 10-15 breaths.

2. Puppy Pose with Extended Legs

Starting in tabletop position, tuck your toes and walk your hands towards the front of your mat until your arms are fully extended with palms flat on your mat. Press through your palms and slowly raise your knees and press legs straight back until they’re fully extended. Be sure to press into the balls of your feet. Hold for 10-15 breaths.

3. Locust Pose

Begin in a baby cobra pose, lying flat on your mat with your legs fully extended toward the back of your mat and the tops of your feet resting on the mat. Place your palms on the floor—the tops of your fingertips should be parallel with your upper ribs. Pressing through your palms begin to lift your chest. On an inhale, clasp your hands behind your back and press your knuckles toward the back of the mat keeping your arms lifted and parallel to your back and bum. Inhale your legs up and hold for 10-15 breaths.

Wheel Pose

Begin by lying flat on your back with your arms resting at your sides with palms facing downward. Bend your knees, so they’re pointing upward and your feet are flat on your mat. Draw your heels toward your bum. Next, bend your elbows as you reach your hands overhead placing your palms flat on the mat on either side of your head (your fingertips should point toward the bottom of your mat). Firmly press through your hands and feet as you lift your body off the mat and go into the full wheel pose. Hold for 10-15 breaths.