Intermediate

Fish Pose Matsyasana

A chest and throat opener often used to counter forward-folding poses.

How to do Fish Pose

  1. Lie on your back, hands under the hips, elbows tucked.
  2. Press the forearms down to lift the chest, crown lightly towards the floor.
  3. Keep the weight in the arms, not the neck, and breathe.

Benefits

  • Opens the chest and throat
  • Counters rounded posture
  • Gently energising

A note on safety

Keep most of the weight in the forearms to protect the neck; ease off with neck issues. This is general guidance, not medical advice. A qualified teacher can adapt this pose to your body, which is exactly what we do in our private sessions at home in Doha.

FAQ

What is Fish Pose good for?
Opening the chest and throat, and it is a lovely counter-pose after lots of forward folding or shoulder work.

Practise it with a teacher

Reading helps, but a teacher perfects your form. Book a session at home in Doha. First group class free.