Extended Child's Pose
A restorative stretching pose that targets the lats, shoulders, and upper back while promoting relaxation and spinal decompression.
Instructions
- Start in a kneeling position on a yoga mat or padded surface, with your knees hip-width apart.
- Extend your arms forward and lower your torso toward the floor.
- Keep your hips above your knees as you stretch your arms further forward.
- Lower your forehead to the mat, maintaining a neutral spine.
- Hold this stretched position while breathing deeply for 30-60 seconds.
- Relax and repeat 2-3 times as needed.
Tips
- This pose provides a deeper stretch than standard child’s pose.
- Maintain steady, deep breathing throughout the hold.
- Use props like yoga blocks under your hips if needed for comfort.
- This is an excellent relaxation and recovery exercise.
- Can be held for extended periods (1-3 minutes) for deep stretching.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 25 s |
| Build muscle | 3 | 40 s |
| Build endurance | 3 | 1 min |