Ananda Balasana - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Ananda Balasana

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Ananda Balasana.

EasyGlutesHamstrings

About this exercise

Happy Baby Pose is a supine yoga stretch where you grasp the outer edges of your feet and gently pull your knees toward the floor beside your torso. It releases tension in the hips, inner groin, and lower back while calming the nervous system.

How to Perform

  • Lie flat on your back on a mat
  • Exhale and draw both knees toward your chest
  • Grip the outer edge of each foot with your hands, fingers wrapping around the pinky-toe side
  • Open your knees slightly wider than your torso and bring them toward your armpits
  • Flex your feet and press them up into your hands as you simultaneously pull your hands down
  • Keep your lower back, tailbone, and head flat against the floor
  • Hold the position and breathe deeply for the desired duration

Muscle Activation

Primary
GlutesHamstringsInner thighs
Secondary
Lower back

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Ananda Balasana

The Ananda Balasana is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.