Basic Yoga Poses Explained: Downward Dog, Warrior, Child's Pose

Tap a pose to see its description.

Downward-Facing Dog

Hands and feet on the mat with hips lifted high, forming an inverted V — the most fundamental pose in yoga.

Warrior I

One leg bent forward with both arms raised overhead, building strength and balance at the same time.

Child's Pose

A resting pose with knees folded and the torso lowered to the mat, forehead resting down — used to release tension.

Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)

A balancing pose standing on one leg, helping build focus and core stability.

Cobra Pose

Lying face down and lifting the upper body to gently stretch the spine, helping strengthen the lower back.

Cat-Cow Pose

Alternating between rounding and arching the spine to build flexibility in the back.

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Lying flat on the mat in complete relaxation, typically used to close out most yoga classes.

Knowing a Few Basic Poses Makes Class Easier to Follow

Getting familiar with the poses that come up again and again in yoga class makes it much easier to follow an instructor's cues, even in your very first session. Understanding the purpose of each pose also makes the workout more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

My heels don't touch the floor in downward dog — is that okay?

Yes, that's completely normal for beginners with limited flexibility. It's more important to bend your knees slightly and keep your spine straight than to force your heels down.

Why is Savasana (corpse pose) done at the end?

It plays an important role as a closing stage that slowly relaxes the body and mind after practice, letting the benefits of the session settle in.