Animal Resting Yoga Pose
The Animal Resting Pose, or Child's Pose, offers deep relaxation and a gentle stretch for your hips, thighs, and lower back. Calms the mind and body.
Description
A relaxing yoga pose that requires you to sit on your heels, lean forward, and stretch your arms in front of you.
How to Do Animal Resting Yoga Pose
- 1Setup
Begin by kneeling on your mat with your big toes touching and your knees spread wide, ideally as wide as the mat or comfortable for your hips.
- 2Setup
Gently sit your hips back towards your heels, allowing them to rest as close as comfortable without strain.
- 3
Fold your torso forward, resting it between or on top of your thighs, and allow your forehead to come to rest on the mat.
- 4
Extend your arms forward with palms facing down for a shoulder stretch, or bring them alongside your body with palms facing up for a more restorative feel.
- 5
Breathe deeply and evenly, allowing your body to soften and relax into the pose for the duration of the set.
Tips
- To deepen the stretch in your shoulders and back, actively reach your fingertips further forward, keeping your forehead on the mat.
- If your forehead does not comfortably reach the mat, place a yoga block, cushion, or folded blanket underneath it for support and comfort.
- For a more internal and calming variation, bring your knees closer together and rest your arms alongside your body with palms facing up, allowing your shoulders to completely relax.
- Focus on your breath, inhaling deeply into your back and exhaling to release any tension in your hips, lower back, and shoulders.
Common Mistakes
- ×Not fully relaxing into the pose by keeping the shoulders tense; actively let your shoulders soften away from your ears and allow your body weight to sink into the mat.
- ×Lifting the hips too far off the heels, which reduces the intended stretch; ensure your hips are as close to your heels as comfortable to maximize the stretch in the lower back and hips.
- ×Straining the neck by trying to look forward or holding the head up; keep your forehead resting gently on the mat or a prop to maintain a neutral cervical spine.
Variations
Tiger Yoga Pose
The Tiger Yoga Pose, or Vyaghrasana, is a dynamic stretch that strengthens your back and core while opening your hips and chest.
Straight Angle Yoga Pose
Master the Straight Angle Yoga Pose to deeply stretch your hamstrings, calves, and spine.
Standing Seal Yoga Pose
Release tension in your shoulders and upper back with the Standing Seal yoga pose.
Rowing Boat Yoga Pose
Strengthen your core, hip flexors, and spine with the Rowing Boat Yoga Pose (Navasana).
Related Exercises
Crocodile Yoga Pose
The Crocodile Yoga Pose is a deeply relaxing restorative pose that gently releases tension in the lower back, hips, and shoulders, promoting calm and
Warrior II Yoga Pose
Master Warrior II, a powerful yoga pose that builds lower body strength, core stability, and mental focus. Improve balance and open your hips.
The Eagle Yoga Pose
The Eagle Pose (Garudasana) is a balancing yoga posture that strengthens legs, ankles, and spine while deeply stretching hips, shoulders, and upper back.
Extended Side Angle Yoga Pose
Deepen your stretch with Extended Side Angle Pose. This yoga pose lengthens the spine, opens hips, and strengthens legs, improving balance and flexibility.
Worlds Greatest Stretch
Unlock full body mobility with the World's Greatest Stretch. This dynamic sequence improves hip flexibility, thoracic rotation, and hamstring length,
Toy Soldier Dynamic Stretch
The Toy Soldier is a dynamic stretch that improves hamstring and hip flexor flexibility while warming up your body for activity.
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