Yoga classes are often serious, but once in a while, you find yourself in an embarrassing or funny looking pose that just makes you laugh.  I know, I know… yoga is NOT about how a pose looks, but how it feels. Sometimes though… You just have to LAUGH.

Here are my top four favorite “It-Looks-Funny-But-Feels-Great” yoga poses.

#1: Puppy Pose

Extended Puppy Pose is one that I do everyday and usually very early into my practice.  It feels great on my shoulders and upper back, and just starts to wake up my spine after sleeping. There are a lot of things that race through my mind when doing it but I’ll  keep it G-rated here. After months of teaching it in my classes, it has become clear to me what the actual name of this pose SHOULD be.  It should be called the “Are-My-Yoga-Pants-See-Through” pose. As a teacher who likes to walk around while teaching… It is clear to me that we should also be doing this pose to check the transparency of our new pants.

#2: Star Pose

Let’s face it… by the end of my practice, I do not want my face anywhere near my feet, but Star Pose is usually something I will do at the end. Unlike Baddha Konasana, your feet are further away from your body. When you fold forward, your face will come closer to your feet. From this moment on, I shall call this pose… the “Do-My- Feet-Smell” pose.

#3: Happy Baby (You knew this one was coming!)

Happy Baby pose or what I affectionately like to call “the hottest pose in yoga”! It feels wonderful rolling around on your mat like a two year old with your legs spread open, right?  To all of my fellow moms… I bet you’ll agree that this stretch should actually be called the “Am-I-Giving-Birth” pose.

#4: Lion’s Pose or Lion’s Breath

This one just cracks me up. I usually incorporate Lion’s Breath in Downward Facing Dog after I’ve worked my students hard. It’s a great way to release tension and frustration during your practice.  It’s also hysterical to see how timid students are in letting go of their breath and ego, and allowing themselves to really let it go!  My first-time students usually feel weird when I tell them to stick out their tongues and really exhale. I really think there is no better name for this exercise than the “W…T…F…” pose.

Always remember to practice safely and stay playful!  You do not always have to take your practice so seriously.  Don’t forget to laugh at yourself once in a while.

“Don’t sweat the petty things… And don’t pet the sweaty things.” – George Carlin

XOXO