by Jenny Sugar 3

Tight hips and a tight lower back are common complaints among runners and bikers, so here's a relaxing stretch that will stretch both. It's similar to Half Happy Baby, but with this variation, both knees are bent at the same time.

Sanskrit Name: Ananda Balasana English Translation: Happy Baby Pose Also Called: Dead Bug

• Begin lying flat on your back.
• Bend both knees and hold onto the outside edges of your flexed feet with your hands. Keep your arms on the outsides of your legs.
• Gently use your upper body strength to equally press both knees to the floor below your armpits. Try not to tense your shoulders or chest, but keep everything relaxed.
• Stay like this for five deep breaths. To release, let go of your feet and straighten your legs to the floor.

This is one of my favorite relaxing poses. Do you have one? Share it in FitSugar's Yoga Stretch and Tell Group.