BENEFITS
- Realigns and stretches the spine
- Gently stretches the groins, hamstrings, and inner thighs
- Opens the hips
- Calms the mind
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Pregnancy
- High blood pressure
- Knee or back injuries
HOW TO
- Lie on your back. Exhale and draw your knees toward your chest. Grasp the outer edges of your feet with your hands.
- Widen your knees and draw them toward your armpits. Align your ankles over your knees.
- Press your tailbone and shoulders into the ground. Flex your feet and press them into your hands, while pulling your hands toward the floor.
- Stay in Happy Baby pose for several breaths. Exhale and release to the ground. Draw your knees to your chest for a counter stretch.
MODIFY OR REPLACE
Alternatives:
Modifications:
- Hold onto your shins.
SEQUENCING TIPS
Before:
After:
TEACHING CUES
- Create resistance between the hands and the feet.
- Create length in your lower back by pressing the tailbone toward the floor.
VARIATIONS
- Rock from side to side while in the pose—like a happy baby!
- Hold onto the inner edges of your feet.
WATCH OUT FOR
- Lower back lifting off the floor