When performing Bakasana (Crow or Crane Pose), what happens to the spine?

In Bakasana, commonly known as Crow or Crane Pose, the spine notably undergoes flexion. This position requires the practitioner to lean forward, shifting their weight onto their arms while lifting their legs off the ground. As you do this, your torso bends forward, bringing your knees closer to your chest. This action involves rounding the upper back, creating a flexed spine.

The flexion helps in engaging the core muscles, promoting stability, and allows for better balance as you hold the pose. Additionally, this flexed position in the spine is essential in maintaining the alignment and integrity of the pose, enabling you to effectively distribute your weight over your arms without straining the lower back.

The other options describe spinal movements that do not accurately reflect the dynamics of the pose: extending the spine would require a backward bend, remaining neutral does not engage the core or arms effectively, and rotation is not a characteristic movement of Bakasana. The primary focus of this pose is the forward flexion, facilitating strength and control.