Cow Face is a seated pose with the knees stacked and one arm reaching up and over to meet the other behind your back. Erin teaches it as a stretch for the outer hips and the shoulders, and she is the first to admit it has a funny name.
How to do Cow Face
- From seated, bring one knee to the center of your mat and stack the other knee on top.
- Ground both sitting bones.
- Sit up tall.
- Bring the arm on the side of your top knee up and over and bend the elbow.
- Reach the other hand behind your back and clasp, or hold onto your elbow.
Common mistakes
- Leaning to one side so a sitting bone lifts off the floor.
- Rounding the back to force the clasp.
- Expecting the knees to stack perfectly on the first try.
Make it easier
- Sit on a block.
- Use a strap between your hands, or just hold your elbow.
Practice Cow Face in a free class
16 of Erin's classes include Cow Face. These are the most practiced. The time shows where it comes up.
Detox Flow 45 min Yoga Class
Yoga for Increased Flexibility (40 min)
Hips & Low Back Stretch Yoga Class
A Little Bit of Everything Spring Flow Yoga Class
Weekend Warrior Yoga Class
Mandala Flow Journey Yoga Class
Wrist Free Yoga Class (50 Min)
25 Min Lunch Break Yoga Flow
A Winter Warmup Yoga Class
Hip Mobility & Flexibility Yoga Class
Shoulder Strength & Flexibility Yoga Class
Toning for your Arms Yoga Class Five Parks YogaCow Face: common questions
How do you do Cow Face?
From seated, bring one knee to the center of your mat and stack the other knee on top. Ground both sitting bones. Sit up tall. Bring the arm on the side of your top knee up and over and bend the elbow.
Is there an easier version of Cow Face?
Yes. Sit on a block. Use a strap between your hands, or just hold your elbow.
What are the most common Cow Face mistakes?
Leaning to one side so a sitting bone lifts off the floor. Rounding the back to force the clasp. Expecting the knees to stack perfectly on the first try.
Where can I practice Cow Face in a free class?
16 free Five Parks Yoga classes include Cow Face. The most practiced is Detox Flow 45 min Yoga Class.
Move within what feels right for your body, and check with your doctor if you have an injury.
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