Balasana

Child’s Pose

HipsBack
Child’s Pose demonstrated on a yoga mat

How to do Child’s Pose

  1. Start kneeling and bring your big toes toward each other. Let your knees come apart to make room for your torso.
  2. Move your hips toward your heels and fold forward. Choose a knee width that feels comfortable.
  3. Rest your forehead on the mat or a folded blanket. Reach your arms forward or let them rest beside you.
  4. Breathe at your own pace. To leave, bring your hands beneath your shoulders and rise slowly.

Benefits

Folding forward brings a gentle stretch through the back. Reaching the arms ahead adds length through the shoulders, while arms by your sides offer a quieter variation.

Variations

Place a folded blanket between your hips and heels, or rest your torso on a bolster. You can also keep your knees closer together.