Lion

Simhasana

Level: Beginner
Pronunciation: (sim-HAHS-anna)

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.

Benefits + Contraindications

Benefits: Lion pose strengthens the lungs, throat, and voice. This posture stimulates the tonsils and the immune system and helps to reduce stress and anger.

Contraindications: Recent or chronic injury to the knees, face, neck or tongue.

Modifications + Variations

Modifications: Place a blanket under the knees.

Variations: Have the knees spread wide with the toes touching behind the hips and place the palms flat with the fingers pointing towards the body.

Vinyasa

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence leading up to this pose: Dog, Cat, Down Dog, Seated Yoga Mudra.

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence ending after this pose: Child, Camel, Half Circle, Gate.

Other Names

This pose is also called Simhagarjanasana.

Share with

Friends & Students

Explore More

Backbending Yoga Poses
  • Lion pose • Simhasana

    Lion

  • Chair Pose / utkatasana

    Chair

  • Extended Dog Pose • utthita Svanasana

    Extended Dog Pose

  • The Best Yoga Poses and Mantras for Gratitude

    Cobra

  • Eight-Limbed Pose • Ashtangasana

    Eight-Limbed Pose

  • One Handed Tiger Pose • eka hasta vyaghrasana

    One Handed Tiger

  • Sphinx yoga pose • salamba bhujangasana

    Sphinx

  • Half Locust

    Half Locust

Remove Ads with a

Premium Membership

Viewing ads supports YogaBasics, which allows us to continue bringing you quality yoga content. Sign up for a premium membership to remove all ads and enjoy uninterrupted access to the best yoga resources on the web.

Categories for Lion

Asana Type

Focus

Chakras

Elements

Explore More

Yoga TipsAdviceArticlesPracticesBasicsTechniques

  • wrist pain in yoga

    Wrist Pain in Yoga? 12 Tips to Prevent Sore Wrists

  • morning yoga stretches

    18 Morning Yoga Stretches and Poses to Start Your Day

  • Grounding Yoga Poses

    13 Grounding Yoga Poses to Strengthen the Earth Element

  • Yoga Nidra

    Yoga Nidra: Meaning, Benefits, Videos and Tips

  • Best Yoga Straps

    The Best Yoga Straps for Newbies and Pros

  • Yoga Intentions, Goals, Resolutions & Affirmations

    Choosing Intentions, Resolutions & Affirmations for Positive Change

  • Yoga for exercise

    Is Yoga Enough for Your Exercise and Fitness Needs?

  • Brahma Muhurta

    Brahma Muhurta: Definition, Benefits and Tips

  • Hot Yoga at Home

    Can You Practice Hot Yoga at Home?

4 responses to “Lion”

  1. ML Avatar
    ML

    Kids love this pose. Be sure to include it when working with youngsters.

  2. Noora Avatar
    Noora

    Hello,

    We want to use Lion pose image in our iSing Magazine( UK) and include your Website Address in the article. The image will lead to your website. Please let us know what do you think about it.

    Regards,
    Noora

    1. Timothy Burgin Avatar
      Timothy Burgin

      Hi Noora, please use our contact us page to file a request for using the photo.

  3. Talia Nied Avatar
    Talia Nied

    thank you for these great instructions on how to practice the Lion’s pose. this really gives my face and mouth a good workout!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yoga Basics