Relax. . .breathe deeply. . . . Now channel your inner animal with these yoga poses.

Downward-Facing Dog (black-backed jackal)
Bend down and place your palms on the ground. Step backward to form an upside-down “V” with your rear in the air. Straighten your legs. Relax your head and neck and look down between your legs. This jackal needs to lower its head to make the pose just right!

Butterfly Pose (map butterfly)
Sit on the floor and place the soles of your feet together. Straighten your back. Hold on to your ankles or feet and press your knees toward the floor.

Frog Pose (bullfrog)
Get down on your knees and elbows. Point your toes outward and your hands forward. Shift your weight back toward your feet.

Lizard Pose (giant monitor lizard)
Get down on your hands and knees. Tuck your toes under and push down on them to raise your body into a push-up position. Keep your arms straight and your back long and flat. This is also called a plank pose.

Cobra Pose (equatorial spitting cobra)
Lie on your stomach and place the palms of your hands next to your shoulders. Press into your hands and lift your head and shoulders off the ground.

Flamingo Pose (greater flamingo)
Stand straight. Bring your hands together in front of your chest. Bend one knee out to the side and place the sole of the foot on your opposite inner thigh.

Cat Pose
Get down on all fours, round your back, and tuck your chin into your chest.

(art by Judith Moffatt)

“Animal Yoga” originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of Ranger Rick magazine.