Yoga Poses How to Do Easy Pose (Sukhasana) in Yoga Proper Form, Variations, and Common Mistakes By Ann Pizer twitter linkedin Ann Pizer is a writer and registered yoga instructor who teaches vinyasa/flow and prenatal yoga classes. Learn about our editorial process Ann Pizer Reviewed by Reviewed by Sara Clark on March 07, 2020 facebook instagram Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. Learn about our Review Board Sara Clark Updated on March 09, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Benefits Step-by-Step Instructions Common Mistakes Modifications and Variations Safety and Precautions Verywell / Ben Goldstein Targets: Back, knee, ankle Level: Beginner Easy Pose (Sukhasana) is the name for any comfortable, cross-legged, seated position, and one of the most basic poses used in yoga practice and meditation. In this case, however, easy doesn't mean the opposite of difficult. It means "with ease." So, sitting in Sukhasana is actually sitting any way you can with ease. For some people, using props such as blankets, towels, and yoga blocks can help you feel as comfortable as possible in this pose. Benefits Easy Pose is a hip-opening pose that stretches the knees and ankles and strengthens the back. It is also a calming pose and it is one commonly used for meditation and practicing breathing exercises. While children often sit in this position, adults get used to sitting in chairs and develop tight hips. Easy Pose can help open up tight hips. Step-by-Step Instructions Arrange supportive padding (blanket, block, or bolster) under your sit bones so that your hips will be higher than your knees when you come into the pose.Come to sit on your padding in a comfortable, cross-legged position. Shift the flesh of your butt to each side with your hands so that your sit bones have a firm foundation.Lean back and forth and side to side with your torso a few times to make sure that your shoulders are aligned directly over your hips. Slide the shoulder blades down your back so that your shoulders move away from your ears. The crown of your head should rise towards the ceiling.Your hands can rest in your lap or on the tops of your thighs. Turn your palms up to be receptive or down to feel grounded.On your inhalations, feel your spine grow long. On your exhalations, root down through your seat. Common Mistakes Sukhasana is a pretty straightforward pose, but it involves several parts of the body. In order to get the most benefits from the pose, and avoid discomfort and possible injuries, try these tips for fine-tuning the position. Upper Back and Neck Slouching or allowing your chin to jut forward while in Easy Pose can strain your neck or upper back. Tips: Lift the breastbone and think in terms of your shoulders broadening away from each other (but not too far back).Draw your chin in toward the front of your neck and imagine the back of your neck being gently pulled upwards. Lumbar Spine In this position, you may have a tendency to allow your lower back to curve inwards (as in a backbend), or outwards (arching your back). Both can put pressure on the spine. Tips: If your back is curving inwards, imagine your tailbone sinking down toward the floor. This will allow your pelvis to tilt back slightly and the lumbar spine to straighten.If your back is curving outwards, try to gently tilt the pelvic girdle forwards. Putting a blanket or blocks under the buttocks so that the hips are raised a little can, for some people, make it easier to sit with the pelvis tilted forwards sufficiently. Legs Sitting in Sukhasana can, in some cases, restrict circulation in the legs. This is something to be especially aware of if you already have a condition that compromises circulation, such as varicose veins or edema, or if you are pregnant. Signs of restricted circulation include numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation in the legs and feet. Tips: Don't pull your feet in too close to your pelvis. Placing them farther away will keep your knees from bending too much. Sitting on some padding can also keep your knees from bending excessively.Don't stay in the position for too longConsider an alternative pose, such as Staff Pose (Dandasana) Hips If your hips are not that flexible, you may not be able to place your knees close to the ground. This can affect the posture and strain your spine. Tips: Place yoga blocks or blanket under your buttocks.Placing some padding under your knees can also give you more stability and help you feel more grounded in this position. Feet and Ankles If the knees are high off the ground this can cause a significant degree of sideways flexion in your ankles, which can be uncomfortable. Or the outside of your ankles may be uncomfortable because they are touching the ground. Tips: Place soft padding underneath the ankles or use two yoga mats.Tuck each foot under the opposite shin in a traditional cross-legged position.Bring one heel in towards your groin. The other foot may rest on the floor in front of you so that your heels will line up. This configuration opes your legs a little wider. Modifications and Variations Need a Modification? If you take yoga as part of a class, ask your instructor to help you modify this position so that you can get the most out of it and avoid risking injury. The use of padding under the ankles or seat can relieve many points of pressure. Safety and Precautions This pose should be avoided if you have a knee injury. If you are pregnant, always talk to your doctor before doing this pose or any other yoga poses. Try It Out Incorporate this move and similar ones, like Siddhasana, into one of these popular workouts: Warmup yoga posesCool down yoga posesHip opening yoga poses Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! If you've never tried it before, starting a yoga practice can feel overwhelming. Our email series can get you ready to roll out the mat. Sign up and get started today! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit