Its name originates from the Sanskrit, is made up of 3 words Setu + Bandha + Asana. Setu meaning bridge, Bandha meaning lock here it refers to contracting or controlling certain parts of the body, and Asana means pose. While practicing this posture body resembles to a bridge, hence the name Bridge Pose. This backbend posture is a very beneficial asana for strengthening legs, hips, the spine, waist and opens the heart. This posture can not only be energizing but also rejuvenating and restorative when practiced regularly in a methodical manner.
We are born with two natural back bending curves in our body namely; at the Lumbar and the neck. One needs to practice this pose with complete awareness so that weight is equally borne by the less mobile part of the spine namely; thoracic, upper back, sacrum and by the flexible parts of spine i.e.; lumbar and neck. All the muscles need to be activated of the spine while practicing this pose.
Although, it is an inverted back bending posture, Setu Bandhasana or Bridge Pose is a great pose to learn as a beginner also. Bridge pose offers yoga practitioners the ability to gain the benefits of an inversion without physically being upside-down. Bridge pose is a great pose to add to your yoga practice for a deep, frontal stretch and prepare yourself for more advanced back bending postures.