Yoga doesn’t have to feel like a serious discipline reserved for the super-flexible. Sure, it can be a grounding, spiritual practice, but it can also be lighthearted, playful, and a great way to bring joy into your day. In fact, there are fun yoga poses that give you a chance to move your body, release stress, and even laugh at yourself while trying something new.
The best news is that plenty of yoga poses feel good and make every yoga practitioner smile, whether you’re just beginning, have years of experience, practicing with kids, teaming up with a partner, or even rolling out the mat with pets. So grab your mat, take a deep breath, and let’s explore yoga from its most joyful side.
Cool Yoga Postures for Beginners
Getting into yoga for the first time should feel approachable and enjoyable. The following beginner poses are simple, safe, and a great introduction to how yoga can improve balance, flexibility, and relaxation, all while keeping things fun and lighthearted.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
Mountain pose may look like just standing still, but it’s one of the most empowering and grounding beginner asanas. When you stand tall, engage your core, and feel your feet rooted into the mat, you embody the strength and stability of a mountain. Many beginners enjoy this pose because it’s simple yet helps improve posture, balance, and awareness of the body. It also sets the tone for other standing positions by teaching alignment and mindful breathing.
How to do a mountain pose:
- Stand with your feet together or hip-width apart.
- Press your feet firmly into the ground and spread your toes wide.
- Engage your thighs and core slightly for stability.
- Roll your shoulders back and down, lifting your chest.
- Let your arms rest by your sides with palms facing forward.
- Take slow, steady breaths, imagining yourself as tall and steady as a mountain.
| Tip: Keep your knees soft to avoid locking them. If you feel wobbly, widen your stance slightly. This pose is best practiced barefoot to really connect with the ground. To be more stable, make sure to press the four corners of your feet firmly on the ground, feeling the earth (or the mat) pushing against the soles of your feet. |
Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana–Bitilasana)
Cat-cow stretch is a flowing movement that brings life into the spine. It alternates between arching the back and dipping it forward, creating a rhythm that feels soothing yet playful. Many people find it fun because the movements mimic the stretch of a happy cat and the sway of a relaxed cow. This gentle sequence helps relieve stiffness, improve spinal flexibility, and warm up the back muscles for more challenging poses.
How to perform cat-cow sequences:
- Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
- As you inhale, drop your belly, lift your chest, and tilt your hips upward for cow pose.
- As you exhale, round your back, tuck your chin, and draw your belly button in for cat pose.
- Continue flowing between the two, matching breath to movement.
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Tip: Move slowly and mindfully. If you have wrist discomfort, place a folded blanket under your hands for support. This sequence is safe for most people, but those with severe back injuries should move with extra care. For those with low back pain, check yoga for lower back pain if this pose is good for you. |
Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)
Happy baby pose is a favorite among beginners because it feels playful yet deeply restorative. The pose mimics the natural movement of infants lying on their backs, holding their feet, and rocking around freely. Practicing it brings a sense of lightheartedness while also stretching the inner thighs, hips, and lower back. Many people find it especially helpful for easing tension after long hours of sitting or standing, as it gently massages the spine against the floor. The rocking motion adds to the fun, making it feel more like a release than a stretch.
Steps to achieve a relaxing happy baby:
- Lie flat on your back with your knees bent.
- Draw your knees toward your chest.
- Reach your hands toward the outer edges of your feet, ankles, or shins.
- Keep your feet flexed and gently pull your knees toward your armpits or as close to the floor as possible.
- Rock side to side slowly to massage your spine.
- Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, taking deep, steady breaths through the stretch.
| Tip: Avoid pulling too hard on your legs if you feel strain in the hips or lower back. If reaching your feet isn’t comfortable, hold your shins or thighs instead. For added support, place a folded blanket under your back or head. This pose is about relaxation and ease, not forcing flexibility. That’s why it is often included in a yin yoga practice. |
Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Tree pose is a balance position that beginners often find both challenging and fun to do. Standing on one leg while placing the other foot against the ankle, calf, or thigh creates a steady, tree-like shape. It’s enjoyable because it turns balance into a game—you’ll probably wobble, maybe laugh, and then feel proud when you finally steady yourself. The pose strengthens the legs, improves focus, and teaches patience.
How to get into a tree pose:
- Stand tall in mountain pose.
- Shift your weight onto your left leg.
- Place the sole of your right foot against your left ankle, calf, or inner thigh (avoid the knee joint).
- Bring your hands together in front of your chest or raise them overhead.
- Hold the pose while breathing deeply, then switch sides.
| Tip: If balance feels tough, lightly touch a wall for support. Focus your gaze on one steady point in front of you to improve stability. To advance into the pose, also try closing your eyes—it will add more challenge to your balance! |
Reclined Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
This asana is a gentle hip opener that feels restful and restorative. The reclined butterfly yoga posture is often considered fun because it’s so soothing—you get to lie back, breathe, and let gravity do the work. It releases tension in the hips and groin while encouraging relaxation throughout the body.
How to perform a reclined butterfly asana:
- Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together.
- Let your knees fall outward.
- Slowly lean back until you are lying down.
- Place your arms by your sides, palms facing up.
- Close your eyes and breathe deeply for 1 to 3 minutes.
| Tip: If the stretch feels too intense, place pillows or yoga blocks under your knees for support. In prenatal yoga, pregnant women are encouraged to prop themselves up with cushions to avoid lying flat on their backs. |
Fun Poses for Partner Yoga
While yoga is often thought of as a solo practice, sharing it with a partner brings a whole new level of fun. Partner or couple yoga is about trust, laughter, and connection—sometimes you’ll wobble, sometimes you’ll fall, and almost always you’ll just laugh these mishaps off. It’s a playful way to strengthen your bond while deepening stretches and exploring balance in new ways.
Double Boat Pose (Partner Navasana)
Double boat pose is one of the most popular partner yoga positions because it feels like a game of balance. Both partners sit facing each other, join hands, and lift their legs to form a boat-like shape. It’s playful, engaging, and strengthens the core muscles while testing balance and coordination. The teamwork aspect is what makes it fun—if one person tips, you both tip.
How to do it:
- Sit facing your partner with knees bent and toes touching.
- Hold each other’s hands firmly.
- Slowly lift your feet, pressing the soles of your feet together.
- Straighten your legs upward to form a V-shape with your partner.
- Keep your chest lifted and hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds.
| Tip: If you’re new to balancing poses, keep your knees bent instead of straightening the legs fully. Remember to communicate and move slowly together. |
Double Downward Dog
Double downward dog looks silly at first, but is incredibly fun to try. One partner takes a traditional downward-facing dog, while the other places their hands in front of them and feet on their partner’s lower back, forming a stacked position. It builds trust, requires balance, and often results in laughter as you try to line up correctly.
Double downward dog requires strength and stability, so practice on a padded surface for safety. Avoid this pose if either partner has back, wrist, or shoulder injuries.
How to perform this pose:
- Partner A comes into a traditional downward dog position.
- Partner B places their hands on the mat just in front of Partner A’s hands.
- Carefully walk the feet up onto Partner A’s lower back or hips (not on the spine).
- Straighten your legs into a supported Downward Dog.
- Hold for a few breaths, then slowly step down.
| Tip: Move into this pose slowly and communicate with your partner at every step. The partner on the bottom should keep their core strong for stability, while the partner on top keeps their movements light and controlled. Always aim to place feet on the hips or lower back (not the spine) to avoid strain. |
Supported Backbend
This is a gentler, heart-opening partner pose. One partner stands behind while the other leans back, supported by their partner’s arms. It deepens the stretch in the chest and shoulders while creating trust between both people.
How to do a supported partner backbend:
- Partner A stands tall with feet hip-width apart.
- Partner B stands directly behind, holding Partner A’s forearms or hands.
- Partner A leans back slowly into a gentle backbend, supported by Partner B.
- Hold for several breaths before carefully returning upright.
| Tip: Communicate clearly about how deep the backbend should go. This pose should never feel forced; only supported and safe. |
Partner Plank
This pose looks like a challenge (and it is!), but that’s what makes it so much fun. One partner holds a plank on the ground, while the other balances in a plank above them, feet on their partner’s shoulders or back. It builds strength, coordination, and lots of laughter when things don’t go perfectly.
However, note that this pose requires a lot of core strength and stability. Avoid if either partner has wrist, shoulder, or lower back issues.
How to perform partner plank safely:
- Partner A begins in a high plank position.
- Partner B positions themselves at A’s feet.
- Carefully place feet on Partner A’s shoulders or upper back.
- Walk hands forward until you are stacked in a plank above your partner.
- Hold for a few breaths, then carefully step down.
| Tip: Stability is everything in this pose, so both partners should keep their cores tight and movements slow. |
Partner Tree Asana
Partner tree pose takes the classic balancing posture and transforms it into a connected, joyful experience. Standing side by side, both partners mirror each other’s movements to create two “trees” leaning toward one another. It’s fun because it turns a solo balance challenge into a shared one—you support each other while also finding your own stability. This pose strengthens the legs, improves focus, and encourages a sense of unity and teamwork.
How to do this asana:
- Stand side by side, shoulders about one foot apart, facing the same direction.
- Wrap the inner arm around your partner’s waist for support.
- Each partner then shifts their weight onto the leg closest to the inside (right leg for one, left leg for the other).
- Bend the outer leg and place the sole of your foot against your standing leg’s calf or thigh (again, avoid the knee joint).
- Press your palms (of the outer arms) together with your partner like a shared prayer.
- Alternatively, raise your outer hands overhead to form a shared canopy or a “heart” shape.
- Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, then switch sides.
| Tip: Don’t worry if you wiggle or fall—that’s part of the fun. Keep your gaze on a steady point ahead to stay balanced. If balance is tricky, start with your lifted foot lower on the leg or practice near a wall for extra support. |
Playful Asanas for Kids Yoga
Yoga for kids is less about perfect alignment and more about creativity and play. Children love poses that let them pretend to be animals, objects, or characters. By weaving imagination into the practice, kids enjoy movement while gaining the benefits of better flexibility, focus, and relaxation. These positions are fun, safe, and a great way to introduce yoga at home or in a classroom.
Frog Yoga Posture (Mandukasana Variation)
Kids’ version of the frog pose is one of the most playful yoga positions for kids because it mimics the crouched stance of a frog, ready to leap. Children enjoy squatting down, placing their hands on the ground, and hopping forward—it feels like playtime disguised as yoga. The pose strengthens the legs, opens the hips, and helps improve balance.
How to do it:
- Begin standing with feet wide apart.
- Bend your knees deeply, coming into a low squat.
- Place your hands on the ground between your feet.
- Keep your back straight and chest lifted.
- Hop lightly forward like a frog if you want to add playfulness.
| Tip: Encourage kids not to force their knees too wide. Hopping should be gentle to avoid strain on the knees or ankles. |
Lion’s Breath Asana (Simhasana Variation)
Lion’s breath is a favorite asana for kids because it’s silly and loud. Children kneel, inhale deeply, then roar as they exhale with tongues out. It releases tension, energizes the body, and makes the usual yoga practice more fun.
How to perform the lion’s breath pose:
- Sit on your knees with your hands on your thighs.
- Inhale deeply through your nose.
- Open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, stretch your jaw open, widen your eyes, and exhale with a loud “ROAR.”
- Repeat 3 to 4 times.
| Tip: Encourage kids to let loose and be playful. Tell them not to mind how silly they might look. After all, it’s all about expression, not perfection. |
Downward Dog Tunnel
Turning the typical downward-facing dog into a tunnel makes yoga interactive, playful, and fun. One child forms the tunnel while others crawl underneath, adding a game-like element to the pose. It stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, and spine while keeping kids entertained.
How to do this activity as a part of a yoga practice:
- Have one child come into downward dog with hands and feet on the floor, hips lifted.
- Other children take turns crawling under the “tunnel.”
- Switch roles so everyone gets a turn holding the pose and crawling through.
| Tip: Ensure the floor is clear of obstacles to prevent bumps. Children should keep their knees bent if their hamstrings are tight. To add more challenge, let the kids do a walking plank instead of just crawling under the tunnel. |
Airplane Posture (Warrior III Variation)
Airplane pose is a balance position that lets kids pretend to soar through the air. With arms spread wide and one leg lifted, it strengthens balance and concentration while sparking imagination.
How to perform airplane pose:
- Stand tall and shift your weight onto one foot.
- Lean forward slightly as you lift the other leg straight behind you.
- Stretch your arms out to the sides like airplane wings.
- Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.
| Tip: Encourage kids to make airplane noises to stay engaged. Allow them to bend their standing knee slightly if balancing is tough. |
Tabletop Wagging Tail (Tabletop Variation)
This playful variation of the tabletop posture adds movement by letting kids wag their legs like tails. It mimics the joy of a happy puppy, which keeps kids entertained while strengthening the core and spine.
Do it in three easy steps:
- Begin on hands and knees in a tabletop position.
- Lift one leg slightly behind you and sway it side to side like a wagging tail.
- Switch legs and repeat.
| Tip: Make it more fun by encouraging kids to pretend they’re different animals, wagging their tails. They can make animal sounds while doing this to spice up their imagination. |
Fun & Relaxing Yoga Positions for Stress Relief
When life feels overwhelming, yoga offers an antidote to stress. Certain positions are designed to slow the breath, calm the nervous system, and release physical tension that builds up from daily routines. These postures don’t require intense strength or flexibility—they’re about softening, letting go, and creating space for relaxation.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Child yoga pose is often used as a resting position in yoga, but it also stands alone as a deeply calming posture. Curling the body inward creates a sense of safety and grounding. It gently stretches the hips, thighs, and lower back while quieting the mind, making it one of the most effective poses for reducing stress.
How to do it:
- Kneel on the mat with your big toes touching and knees apart.
- Sit back on your heels.
- Fold forward, resting your torso between your thighs.
- Stretch your arms forward or let them rest by your sides.
- Rest your forehead on the mat and breathe deeply.
| Tip: If your hips feel tight, place a pillow between your thighs and calves for support. Pregnant practitioners should keep their knees wider apart to avoid compressing the belly. |
Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
Twists are wonderful for releasing stress and tension from the spine. Lying down makes this version relaxing, allowing the body to stretch and reset without much effort. It also aids digestion and encourages calmness.
Relax the spine in 5 simple steps:
- Lie flat on your back.
- Hug your right knee into your chest.
- Gently guide your knee across your body to the left.
- Stretch your right arm out to the side and look toward it.
- Hold for several breaths, then switch sides.
| Tip: Keep both shoulders grounded for maximum benefit. Place a pillow under your knee if it doesn’t reach the floor comfortably. |
Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
This gentle and safe inversion is one of the simplest ways to melt away stress. By placing your legs against a wall, you encourage circulation, reduce swelling in the feet, and calm the nervous system. It’s especially soothing at the end of a long day.
How to do it:
- Sit sideways against a wall with knees bent.
- Swing your legs up onto the wall as you lie back.
- Adjust so your hips are close to the wall.
- Rest your arms at your sides with palms up.
- Stay here for 5 to 10 minutes, breathing steadily.
| Tip: Use a folded blanket under your lower back for added comfort. This pose is generally safe, but should be avoided if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or glaucoma. |
Exciting & Challenging Asanas for Advanced Yogis
For experienced practitioners, yoga can be an exciting way to test strength, balance, flexibility, and focus. Advanced poses aren’t about showing off—they teach patience, discipline, and trust in your own body. These challenging yet exciting asanas may take weeks, months, or even years to master (with consistent practice!), but they bring a sense of accomplishment and fun to your yoga journey.
Crow Pose (Bakasana)
Crow pose is a playful arm balance that requires focus and energy. It builds strength in the arms, wrists, and core while boosting confidence. Many yogis find it energizing because mastering it feels like a mini triumph.
How to practice the crow pose safely:
- Begin in a squat with feet close together.
- Place your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your elbows slightly and lift your hips.
- Place your knees on the backs of your upper arms.
- Shift your weight forward until your feet lift off the ground.
- Balance and breathe steadily.
| Tip: Practice with a cushion in front for safety. Engage your core to maintain stability and avoid collapsing into your wrists. |
Headstand (Sirsasana)
Known as the “king of yoga poses,” headstand is both empowering and energizing. Balancing upside down increases blood flow to the brain, builds upper body strength, and sharpens focus. It’s fun because it flips your perspective—literally. Avoid headstands if you have neck, back, or heart conditions. It is also not recommended for those with hypertension or glaucoma. Always practice near a wall when learning.
How to perform a headstand:
- Start on your knees and interlace your fingers, placing your forearms on the mat.
- Place the crown of your head between your hands.
- Tuck your toes and lift your hips, walking your feet closer.
- Slowly lift your legs off the ground, either one at a time or together.
- Straighten your legs upward, keeping your core engaged.
- Hold for a few breaths before lowering carefully.
| Tip: Approach this pose with patience. Rushing into a headstand can strain the neck and shoulders. Practice near a wall for support, and focus on engaging your core rather than dumping weight into your head. If you feel pressure in your neck, come down immediately and rest before trying again. |
Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana)
Wheel pose is a deep backbend that opens the chest, strengthens the arms and legs, and revitalizes the entire body. It feels fun and powerful because it takes you into a full arch, almost like a bridge.
How to do a full wheel:
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart.
- Place your hands beside your ears with fingers pointing toward your shoulders.
- Press into your hands and feet, lifting your body into an arch.
- Straighten your arms and legs as comfortably as possible.
- Hold for a few breaths, then lower slowly.
| Tip: Warm up with sun salutations and a few gentler backbends before attempting this pose. Avoid if you have wrist or lower back injuries. |
Scorpion Pose (Vrschikasana)
Scorpion Pose is an advanced backbend inversion that combines strength, flexibility, and balance. It’s one of the most challenging yoga postures, but also one of the most rewarding. Avoid this pose if you have spinal or neck issues. It should only be practiced once you are comfortable with forearm balance.
How to perform a scorpion pose:
- Begin in a forearm stand near a wall.
- Engage your core and press firmly into your forearms.
- Slowly bend your knees and arch your back.
- Let your feet move toward your head, creating a scorpion-like shape.
- Hold for a few breaths before carefully coming down.
| Tip: Warm up thoroughly with backbends and forearm balances before attempting Scorpion Pose. Use a wall for support until you feel steady, and move into the backbend gradually rather than forcing your legs toward your head. |
Try Puppy Yoga for a Playful Twist
[image of our yogis holding puppies]
Yoga has always been about connection—between breath and movement, body and mind, and sometimes even between people. But what happens when you add puppies into the mix?
Puppy yoga has quickly become one of the most joyful trends in the wellness industry, blending the benefits of traditional yoga with the happiness of being surrounded by adorable, cute dogs. During a puppy yoga class, you flow through gentle poses while friendly puppies wander around the room. Sometimes they cuddle up beside you in child’s pose, other times they may nap on your mat during Savasana.
Rather than seeing these interruptions as distractions, puppy yoga embraces them as part of the practice. The goal is less about perfect alignment and more about presence, laughter, and connection.
Plus, puppy yoga’s benefits extend beyond smiles. Studies have shown that spending time with animals can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin. Combine that with the calming effects of yoga, and you’ve got a practice that boosts both physical and emotional health.
Puppy yoga is also a fantastic way to make yoga less intimidating for beginners. Gentle positions like child’s pose or reclined butterfly are perfect for letting puppies snuggle close, while playful shapes like downward dog or happy baby turn into even more joyful experiences with furry friends nearby.
Blending these fun yoga positions with the lighthearted energy of puppies makes your practice less about perfect form and more about creating moments of connection, laughter, and ease.
Strike a Pose, Find Your Joy
Every yoga session is an opportunity to pause, breathe, and discover a spark of joy in movement. Some days that might look like a quiet stretch, other days it’s playful balance with a friend or a cuddle with a puppy on the mat. However you practice, let it bring you ease, laughter, and a reminder that yoga is meant to feel good.
For safety and growth, it’s always best to learn these poses under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher, in a welcoming setting inside a yoga studio. Having an experienced teacher by your side ensures proper alignment, reduces the risk of injury, and helps you get the most from every practice.