There are some yoga poses that just about everyone has heard of or done. Down Dog, Tree, Seated Forward Bend - these are pretty standard poses that anyone can practice, so they tend to be included in many yoga classes. Fish pose is another pretty popular pose, and it's a counter-pose for Shoulderstand since it stretches out the throat, chest and shoulders in the opposite direction. It feels incredible since our necks don't usually get stretched that way.

Sanskrit Name: Matsyasana English Translation: Fish Pose Also Called: Balancing Lotus

Traditionally Fish is performed with your legs in lotus (Padmasana), and it follows Balancing Lotus.

To see a detailed description of how to get into this pose read more

• If you're doing Fish pose from Balancing Lotus, then slowly roll your spine down towards the ground so your hips land flat.
• Grab onto your big toes with your hands, and use your arms to pull your chest up, arching your back. Release your head and elbows down to the ground.
• You don't have to have your legs in lotus, you can just cross your legs at the shins. Another option you can do is bring the soles of your feet together as in Butterfly, or you can extend your legs straight out. Just place your palms on the ground next to your hips.
• If you're not doing this pose after Balancing Lotus, just come to lie on your back and place your legs in any position you choose. Then prop yourself up onto your elbows, arch your back, lift your chest and drop the crown of your head onto the ground.
• Stay for five or more breaths, then lift your head up slowly and place your spine back down. Tuck your chin into your throat, bend your knees up towards your chest, wrap your arms around your shins and release your lower back.

Not only does Fish pose stretch out your chest and throat, but it also increases flexibility in your spine.

Fit's Tips: If getting your legs in lotus is a goal for you, practice doing hip openers like Pigeon and Double Pigeon. You can even practice doing Standing Pigeon at work.