How to Do the Yoga Cow Face Pose With a Strap

The yoga cow face pose appears to be a simple posture; however, it requires extreme flexibility in the arms and can be difficult even for intermediate students of yoga. Using a yoga strap to practice the pose helps to reduce the challenge so that you can evolve more quickly in your yoga practice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sit in the staff pose, with your spine tall and straight and your legs extended in front of you. Bend your knees, placing the soles of your feet together and allowing your knees to drop down. Inhale deeply and as you exhale, cross the right leg over the left.

2. Continue your exhalation as you push the right leg over gently until the right knee is stacked above the left. Adjust your torso if needed so that you are resting with your knees pointing forward. The sides of your feet should be resting on the floor at your hips with your toes pointing away from you.

3. Make sure that you can keep your hips square on the floor during the cow face pose. If you are struggling to keep the hips on the floor, consider using a cushion or blanket as you gain flexibility.

4. Hold a strap in your left hand and lift your elbow, dropping your hand and the strap behind your back. Reach back with your right hand, gripping the free end of the strap from below. Keep your spine tall and breath deeply, inching your hands along the strap and closer together.

5. Relax into the pose for 30 to 60 seconds, trying to decrease the length of the strap between your hands with each exhale. When you are ready, gently release the strap and unfold your legs. Repeat, alternating your arm and leg positions. With time, you should be able to clasp your fingers without help from the strap.

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