Pregnancy Fit Tips: Child's Pose Stretch

Child’s Pose is one of the most relaxing, most rejuvenating, and most common stretching exercises in yoga. It is a perfect way to end a tough workout. Child’s Pose releases tension in your lower back, your upper back and your arms. It also relaxes your entire body and allows you a few quiet, peaceful moments of repose and reflection before you take on the rest of your day.

To perform Child’s Pose, begin by kneeling on the floor. Lower your butt onto your heels and simultaneously stretch your torso and arms down and forward. Your stomach should be resting on your thighs and your forearms should be on the floor in front of you.

Remember, you should always listen to your body. Relax your neck and shoulders and move gently into the stretch. Only go as far down and forward as comfortable. If your butt lifts off your heels when you lean forward, that’s OK. The more you do this stretch, the easier it will be to ease your butt further down. Breathe deeply and slowly. Exhale fully before taking your next breath.

The Benefits of Child’s Pose:

- Releases tension in the back, shoulders and chest

- Recommended if you have dizziness or fatigue

- Helps alleviate stress and anxiety

- Flexes the body’s internal organs and keeps them supple

- It lengthens and stretches the spine

- Relieves neck and lower back pain when performed with the head and torso supported

- It gently stretches the hips, thighs and ankles

- Normalizes circulation throughout the body

- It stretches muscles, tendons and ligaments in the knee

- Calms the mind and body

- Encourages strong and steady breathing