Lion pose, or Simhasana, is a fun beginner yoga pose with several unique benefits. Here’s how to do it…

This is an interesting yoga pose that I’ve always thought was a lot of fun – and kids love this one, too! Lion pose has a number of benefits, including strengthening the lungs and throat, and stimulating the tonsils and immune system. Some say it can even help reduce stress and anger. I just think it feels good, and helps stretch muscles in the face that don’t get stretched often!

This beginner pose is suitable for just about everyone, but if you have had recent trauma to the knees, face, neck, or throat, you may want to skip this one for now.

Here’s how to do it, from YogaBasics.com:

Instructions:

1. From a seated position with the hips on the heels and the palms resting on the knees, inhale and reach the crown of the head up to lengthen the spine.

2. As you exhale, bring the palms to the floor in front of the knees, arch the spine, look up at the third eye point, stick out the tongue and roar like a lion (Haaa!) out of your mouth.

3. Inhale back to the starting position and repeat 2-5 times.