Animal Resting Yoga Pose
- Target muscle
- —
- Equipment
- Body weight
- Body part
- Stretching
- Type
- Stretching
The Animal Resting Yoga Pose is a bodyweight recovery and stretching position you hold to release tension and unwind between more demanding work. Rather than building strength, it gently lengthens the body and slows the breath, making it a useful cooldown or rest pose at the end of a session.
How to do the Animal Resting Yoga Pose
- 1Clear a comfortable space on a mat and remove your shoes so you can settle without distraction.
- 2Lower yourself to the floor and ease into the resting shape, letting your body weight sink toward the mat.
- 3Allow your limbs to soften and your joints to release, avoiding any active tension or forcing.
- 4Settle your head and neck into a neutral, comfortable position and let your shoulders relax away from your ears.
- 5Begin breathing slowly through your nose, lengthening each exhale to deepen the sense of release.
- 6Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a few minutes, staying relaxed and still while the body unwinds.
- 7To release, take one fuller breath, gently re-engage your muscles, and slowly return to a seated or standing position.
Form tips
- Breathe slowly and evenly the whole time — let each exhale be a little longer than the inhale to settle the nervous system.
- Let gravity do the work; the pose should feel passive, with no muscle actively straining to hold position.
- Use a folded towel or cushion under your head or joints if anything presses uncomfortably against the floor.
- Keep your jaw, hands, and shoulders soft, scanning for and releasing any tension you find as you hold.
Common mistakes
- Holding your breath or breathing shallowly, which keeps the body tense instead of letting it relax.
- Pushing into a deeper stretch than feels comfortable, which can strain muscles a recovery pose is meant to soothe.
- Tensing your shoulders, neck, or jaw out of habit, which defeats the purpose of a resting position.
- Cutting the hold too short to actually downshift — give yourself at least 30 seconds to settle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Animal Resting Yoga Pose good for?
It is a bodyweight resting and stretching pose used for recovery — to release tension, slow your breathing, and unwind. It works well as a cooldown or a rest position between harder efforts.
How long should I hold the Animal Resting Yoga Pose?
Anywhere from about 30 seconds to a few minutes. Stay until your breathing slows and the body feels released; there is no need to rush out of it.
Is the Animal Resting Yoga Pose good for beginners?
Yes. It uses only your body weight and asks you to relax rather than exert, so it is accessible to all levels. Use a cushion or folded towel for support if any spot feels uncomfortable.
Where should I feel the Animal Resting Yoga Pose?
You should feel a gentle release and softening rather than an intense stretch or muscular effort. If you feel sharp strain, ease off — this pose is meant to relax, not to push your limits.
