Although primarily a Yoga pose, known as Balasana, this is an exercise anyone can learn and use, whether or not you practice yoga.
What this is good for:
This pose stretches the back, hips, thighs, and ankles. It can help with back ache or pain.
How to use practice:
- Kneel on the floor with your toes together and your knees hip-width apart. Rest your palms on top of your thighs.
- Then exhale and lower your torso between your knees. Extend your arms alongside your torso with your palms facing down. Relax your shoulders toward the ground. Breath in and out, exhale and inhale several times as you feel the stretch.
- There are several ways to modify this exercise, so if you need to -as an example – use a rolled up towel, to help get your buttocks to reach your heels, placed between your thighs and calves. Learn other modifications to develop your skill in performing this pose.
- Technique is important, as it is easy to stretch into a poor position, risking injury, and doing more harm than good.
- Remember the breath when performing this!
