Warm-Up & Mobility

Child's Pose — Simple Cool-Down Guide

BB

By Borja Bes — CrossFit Athlete & Hyrox Finisher

Technique demonstration

See Child's Pose Before You Train

Watch the full movement, then use the original coaching image to check the key position.

Extended Child's Pose - Yoga With Adriene

Athlete relaxing in Child's Pose with hips toward heels and arms extended on a mat
Child's Pose: let the hips move toward the heels and use slow breathing to relax the back and shoulders.

Key position

Let the knees open to a comfortable width, reach forward and stop before the hips or shoulders feel pinched.

Video by Yoga With Adriene · reviewed 2026-08-06

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Child's pose is a supported kneeling position used to slow breathing and gently lengthen the back, lats, and hips after training. The hips move toward the heels while the arms reach forward and the spine relaxes without being forced. Use it after training at a gentle intensity, breathe slowly, and stop if the position causes sharp pain, tingling, or numbness.

Quick answer

Child's Pose is best used after training to slow breathing and gently relax the lats, hips and back. Support the forehead or keep the hips higher if the full position is not comfortable.

Muscles Worked

LatsUpper backHipsLower back

Equipment

None

Best For, Avoid If, and Scaling

Best forPost-WOD cool-downs, relaxed breathing and gentle recovery for the lats, upper back and hips.
Avoid ifKnee flexion is painful, the hips or shoulders pinch, or the position causes sharp pain, tingling or numbness.
ScalingKeep the hips higher or support the torso on a bench.

How to Do the Child's Pose

1

Kneel with the big toes near each other and knees comfortably apart.

2

Sit the hips back toward the heels.

3

Walk the hands forward and lower the chest between the thighs.

4

Rest the forehead and take slow breaths into the back and ribs.

Common Mistakes

✕

Forcing the hips to the heels despite knee pain.

✕

Holding the shoulders tense near the ears.

Coaching Tips

✓

Place a cushion under the hips or forehead for support.

✓

Let each exhale soften the chest toward the floor.

Scaling Options

Easier / Beginner

Keep the hips higher or support the torso on a bench.

Harder / Advanced

Walk both hands to one side to emphasize the opposite lat.

Cool-Down Examples

Use Child's Pose to Finish the Session

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Child's Pose Recovery Reset

child's pose cool-down

2 gentle rounds

30-45 sec Child's Pose

5 slow nasal breaths

Keep every position pain-free

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Post-WOD Child's Pose Flow

post-workout child's pose

4-minute downshift

60 sec easy walk or march

30-45 sec Child's Pose

Finish when breathing feels calm

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should Child's Pose feel?

Child's Pose should create mild, steady tension while you can still breathe normally. Ease out immediately if you feel sharp pain, tingling, or numbness.

Plan the Whole Session

Build a Session Around Child's Pose

Use the generator to create a complete workout with an appropriate cool-down, main training block, and recovery work for your level and equipment.

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Related Exercises

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