Forest Animal Yoga
A sequence of simple yoga poses inspired by forest animals, guided with a short story, to stretch and relax at the end of class. Students work on flexibility, static balance and a calm, focused finish to the lesson.
How to play
- Each student on a mat, barefoot if possible. Explain that we're taking a walk in the forest and meeting animals (1 min).
- Tree: standing, one foot resting on the opposite ankle or calf, hands together overhead; 3 or 4 breaths per side.
- Cat: on hands and knees, round the back on the out-breath and gently arch it on the in-breath, 4 times.
- Dog: from hands and knees, lift the hips into an upside-down V to stretch legs and back, 3 or 4 breaths.
- Frog: squat with knees wide and hands on the floor, holding 3 or 4 breaths to open the hips.
- Finish with sleeping bear: lying on the side or back, eyes closed, calm breathing for 1 minute.
Rules
- No forcing: go only as far as you can without pain.
- Quiet with calm breathing during the poses.
- Stay on your own mat without touching classmates.
- Move into and out of poses slowly.
Variations
Easier
Three poses (tree with the foot at the ankle, cat and sleeping bear).
Standard
Five poses held for 3 or 4 breaths each.
Harder
Students suggest new animals and poses and lead them for the class.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: chair versions of the poses (seated cat, tree with arms, trunk stretch).
- Balance problems: use the wall for support in tree pose.
- Students with autism: use picture cards of each animal to preview the sequence.
Learning goals
- Improve flexibility of the spine, hips and legs.
- Work on static balance.
- Promote calm and focus at the end of class.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Yoga mats: 25
Teacher tip
Model each pose in front and say the breathing cues out loud. In frog pose, check that heels can stay down; if not, slip a folded mat under them.
PatioLab has "Forest Animal Yoga" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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