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The full yoga backward bend, also known as The Wheel, is meant to energize, refresh and invigorate the body. It opens the chest and encourages deep inhalation. This dynamic yoga posture builds energy and strength, especially in the wrists, arms, legs, buttocks and spine. It also stretches the front of the body.

The circulation flows freely to the heart and lungs when the body is bent backward. It is a boost for the immune system. The nervous system benefits, as Cerebral-Spinal fluids are pumped, resulting in a clearer mind. Back-bends stimulate the lymphatic system by opening the areas where lymph nodes and glands are located. The kidneys and adrenals are squeezed, which cleanses and de-stresses the body.

I know that the back bend is good for me, but it also kills me. In Ashtanga Yoga, we do the wheel three times for five deep breaths each. In between each series, we go down onto the crown of the head to reposition our hands and feet.

I can do the first round pretty easily (Okay, easily is a serious overstatement, but relative to the next two it feels easy). The second round is seriously challenging, and the third and final round is impossible to get into for me without making a grunting noise (the noise you would make if you were to lift and carry a massive box. It could be described as “HUUUUUUH” or “EEERRR”).

When I arrive back on the ground, I am generally soaked in sweat and my heart feels as though it is about to fly out of my chest. But I suppose that I can relish in the fact that all of those benefits listed above are clearly taking place!