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Corpse Pose

Savasana · Lying still and letting go — the final resting pose that lets your body absorb the practice.

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Muscles worked

Front
Back
Equipment
Yoga mat
Level
Beginner
Breath
Hold 5–8 slow breaths

How to do Corpse Pose

  1. 1Lie on your back with your legs slightly apart and feet falling open.
  2. 2Rest your arms a little away from your body, palms facing up.
  3. 3Close your eyes and let your breath return to normal.
  4. 4Stay for 2–5 minutes, then roll to one side before sitting up.

When to pick it: Pick it at the end of every yoga session. A pillow under the knees helps a sensitive lower back.

Form cues

  • Let the floor hold you
  • Soften the jaw and the eyes
  • Natural breath

Common mistakes

  • Skipping it
  • Fidgeting
  • Jumping straight up afterwards

How long to hold

GoalSides / timesHoldRest
Beginner1–23–5 breathsChild’s pose as needed
Building25–8 breathsFlow straight on
Advanced2–38–12 breathsFlow straight on

Breathe slowly through the nose and ease off at the first sharp or pinching feeling — a stretch should feel strong, never painful. Get a full 4–12 week program →

Similar poses

Poses that work or stretch the same areas.

General fitness information, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain, and check with a clinician before starting if you have an injury or a health condition.