Half Tortoise Pose

A woman practicing yoga on a wooden floor, in a child's pose with arms extended forward and head down.

Where is the Primary Focus? Spine

Where Does the Posture Provide Maximum Benefits?

• Stretches your spine.

• Creates compression in the knees and hips.

• Builds strength in the upper back.

When and Where Could I Feel the Stretch?
In your arms and your upper back. Possibly in your hips, ankles, and lower back.

Why Should I Do This Posture?
It lengthens your spine using your own strength, in a similar way to Balancing Stick.

How Can I Improve?
Instead of making it passive, make it as active as you can. Recruit muscles from your fingers to your lower back to stretch your spine as far forward as possible. When you are entering the posture, go as slow as you can. When you are exiting the posture, lift as much with your arms as you can and try to make your arms move first.