Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana): Step by Step

Step 1

Lie on your back. With an exhale, bend your knees into your belly.

Step 2

Inhale, grip the outsides of your feet with your hands (if you have difficulty holding the feet directly with your hands, hold onto a belt looped over each sole.) Open your knees slightly wider than your torso, then bring them up toward your armpits.

Step 3

Position each ankle directly over the knee, so your shins are perpendicular to the floor. Flex through the heels. Gently push your feet up into your hands (or the belts) as you pull your hands down to create a resistance.

Pose Information

Sanskrit Name

Ananda Balasana

Pose Level

1

Contraindications and Cautions

Pregnancy
Knee injury
Neck injury, support head on a thickly folded blanket

Beginner’s Tip

If you can’t easily hold your feet with your hands, try holding each foot with a yoga strap looped around the middle arch.

Benefits

Gently stretches the inner groins and the back spine.
Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue