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ToggleLearn everything you always wanted to know about yoga postings for relaxation but could never ask. Is Lion Pose (Simhasana) the final solution to stress relief?
Owing to this it has been described by many practitioners and yoga specialists for the good approach it has in the release of tension.
This is not just a bodily position; it entails a movement of the breath to a particular focus of attention.
That is why it is always useful to get some information about Simhasana even if you are a total novice in Yoga or you practice Yoga and love it.
In this guide, we will provide a basic outlook on the Lion Pose and what it is capable of doing for you alongside the proper method of executing the Pose.
Keep reading to find out about this yoga pose and if it can help you find peace and some strength.
What is Lion Pose (Simhasana)?
The Lion pose or Simhasana is a yogic posture that links Bhastrika Pranayama with the eyes wide open and an aching tongue and lips as one roars like a lion!
This pose is included in the yoga simhasana lion pose series used for stress and concentration. One fascinating aspect of this breathing technique is forcing out of the breath and the tongue, and expelling tension.
Shown benefits consist of face muscular relaxation, better posture, and states of relaxation.
Warm-Up Exercises for Lion Pose
Before attempting Simhasana, prepare your body with these warm-up exercises:
Neck Rolls
Massaging your neck invites some flow of blood to the neck and loosens the stiffness of the throat muscles.
Cat-Cow Pose
This movement provides a warm-up of the spine which enhances posture and flexibility to either arch or round the back.
Child’s Pose
Child’s pose relieves the hips and spreads the back muscles to offer comfort for seated Poses.
What is the Anatomy of Simhasana?
The simhasana activates many muscles which makes this yoga useful in any practice.
Primary Muscles Engaged:
The specific muscles of the body that are involved in maintaining stability and balance during Simhasana are those that comprise the core.
Furthermore, the shoulders, chest, and arms are involved in maintaining the posture and forceful breathing that is characteristic of this posture.
Secondary Muscles Engaged:
The glutes and thighs provide the support necessary to lower the body to offer a strong and stable position.
At the same time, back muscles help to keep a proper position that allows avoiding the overload of the spinal column.
If attention is paid to these muscles, the reaction of the body during the middle of the pose is right, and the pose’s benefits are achieved.
How to Perform Lion Pose (Simhasana)

Follow these simple steps to practice Simhasana with ease:
- Kneel on the floor and cross your ankles behind you.
- Place your hands on your knees with your fingers spread wide.
- Take a deep breath through your nose.
- Open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and exhale forcefully with a “ha” sound.
- Repeat the process 5–7 times.
Here’s a video that explains this yoga pose in more detail.
Body Parts Movement:
Body Part | Movement Type | Description |
Hands | Moving (Initially), Static | Hands rest on knees, fingers spread wide for stability during the pose. |
Chest | Static | The chest remains open and lifted to support deep breathing and posture. |
Tongue | Moving | Sticks out during the exhale, mimicking a lion’s roar to release tension. |
Feet | Static | Ankles crossed behind the body to provide a stable and grounded position. |
Knees | Static | Knees remain grounded, supporting the body’s weight comfortably. |
Shoulders | Static | Shoulders stay relaxed to avoid unnecessary tension during the pose. |
Back | Static | The back maintains a straight posture to ensure alignment and proper breathing technique. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Tensing the Shoulders: Keep your shoulders relaxed.
- Skipping Breathing Technique: The ‘roar’ can only free up the tension though.
- Incorrect Posture: To avoid inconvenience keep your posture right, especially your spine.
What are the Benefits of Simhasana?
Physical Benefits
- Caused a reduction of tension within the face, neck, and shoulders.
- The researchers posit that it improves the respiratory function of the lungs as well as how oxygen gets distributed within the body.
- Promotes muscle strength in the central part of the body as well as enhances the stability of the pose.
Mental Benefits
- Erases stress and replaces it with relaxation, which is a good factor for any job or task.
- Improves concentration and presence of mind.
- Boosts its readers’ morale through the roaring action.
Modifications for Beginners
For those new to yoga simhasana lion pose, consider these adjustments:
Use a Yoga Block to Get a Better Seated Position
In case you organize it in a manner that your hips are raised above your knees, you can use a yoga block to aid your position.
In this modification, it becomes convenient to balance one’s body in the right manner while in the pose.
Practicing the Breathing Technique on Its Own
In case kneeling is still too much to handle, leave it aside, and just master the breathing process involved. That allows one to get the pose’s mental and physical advantage without the strain.
Use a Chair for Support
For those who are unable to sit on the floor, bringing a chair is the best idea. It lets you get into the pose rightly but ensures that you can stretch comfortably without problems with alignment.
Variations of Simhasana
Here are three variations of Simhasana to suit different comfort levels and enhance your practice:
Seated Lion Pose
Kneeling is not very comfortable so use a cross-legged position to make the posture bearable. This variation is great for first-timers or people with knee problems.
Wall-Supported Lion Pose
Do the pose while seated with your back up against a wall. This assists in helping you balance your weight and less pressure is placed on the back and abdominal muscles.
Extended Simhasana
Use hands while enacting a lion to make gestures representing claws to make it more interesting. This variation increases concentration and gives elements of fun to the pose.
How to Integrate Simhasana into Your Routine
Practicing Simhasana as a regular part of your day represents a very useful way to develop your mental and physical health.
Here are simple ways to incorporate this pose:
Morning Practice
It is advised that one should begin his day with Simhasana to generate energy and concentration levels. During this pose, forceful breathing is used again to wake up the body and the mind.
Evening Routine
Isolated or workplace stress can be relieved by performing Simhasana in the evening. It helps you to become relaxed and get ready for the night’s sleep.
Part of a Sequence
If you practice or are a teacher of Hatha or Vinyasa Yoga, you should incorporate Simhasana for stability in your practice. It pairs with poses that work on the coil and attends to the mind.
Safety Precautions
Do not practice if you have knee injuries or chronic joint pains.
Make sure you are on soft ground like a yoga mat so that the intensity of your kneeling is shielded from your knees and ankles.
If you have specific healthcare issues you need to consult a professional before attempting variations.
VeryFit Life Final Words
The unique yogic asana known as simhasana goes well past merely serving as the portrayal of a lion, it helps to combat stress, enhance concentration, and increase vigor.
This position can be with you when you wake up as an energizing stretch when the sun goes down as a relaxing stretch, or in the sequences during the practice of yoga.
Not only is simhasana a mental and physical yoga position, but it also has positive off-the-mat effects which enable you to relax. Use it in your practice today and see the impact it has on yourself.
FAQs
Does Lion Pose affect anxiety?
Oh yes, that breathing technique used in the Simhasana lion pose helps to reduce anxiety by slowing down the activities of the autonomic nervous system.
Is Simhasana suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! For beginners, it is advised to adjust the reclination to a more comfortable posture.
How often should I practice Simhasana?
Try to practice it daily for 5-10 minutes to get the whole spectrum of advantages this strategy offers.
Source:
Yoga Journal. (2021, December 8). Lion Pose.
Yogitim. (2024, December 16). Lion Pose (Simhasana) – Yoga Basics
MasterClass. (n.d.). How to do Lion Pose: Lion Pose Modifications and variations – 2025 – MasterClass.
Book Source:
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar