Ease Into the Benefits of Sphinx Pose

We love the poses that invite you to slow down and tune in. Sphinx Pose is one of those quiet heroes, a gentle backbend that offers subtle strength and deep release, especially when practiced with support and intention.

🌼 Why Practice Sphinx Pose?

• Opens the chest and shoulders, helping reverse the effects of hunching or screen time

• Strengthens the lower back while promoting softness and surrender

• Releases tension in the front body, while encouraging a calm, steady breath

• Offers a meditative moment to simply be, ideal for anyone needing grounding or stillness

🧘‍♀️ Make It More Accessible: Variations & Props

This pose doesn’t have to be effortful. Make it feel restorative with these gentle options:

✔️ Ease the Effort: Place a rolled blanket under your lower ribs to reduce the work of holding yourself up, allowing you to soften into a more Yin-like version of the pose

✔️ Soften the Neck & Shoulders: Let your head fall gently forward toward your chest to invite a release through the back of the neck and tops of the shoulders

✔️ Gentle Alternative: Lower all the way down into Crocodile Pose (forehead resting on crossed arms) if your body calls for even more ease

✔️ Want a Little More? For a touch of activation, press gently into the palms and slightly lift the chest more while keeping the glutes relaxed

🌙 When to Practice

Add Sphinx Pose to your practice at the start to warm the spine or at the end of your day to unwind. Stay for 2–5 minutes, supported by props, and let gravity and breath do the work.