Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
Teacher featured in image: Tawny Cortes
Category: Supine/Hip Opener
Difficulty: Beginner
Sanskrit: Supta Baddha Konasana (SOOP-tah BAH-dah koh-NAH-sa-na)
Main Focus: Hip Opening, Flexibility, Relaxation
Props: Bolster, Blocks, Blanket
Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) is a gentle supine yoga pose that opens the hips, inner thighs and groin while encouraging the body to relax. Practised lying on the back with the soles of the feet together and the knees opening out to the sides, the pose allows gravity to gradually deepen the hip opening without force. Often used in restorative, Hatha and Yin Yoga practices, Reclined Bound Angle Pose can help release tension and encourage a sense of calm. Props such as bolsters, blocks and blankets can support and hold the body, allowing the muscles to release while creating more space and ease within the pose.
- Lie down on your back
- Bring the soles of the feet together and let the knees fall out to the sides, forming a diamond shape with the legs
- Arms can rest alongside the body, palms up, or placed on the belly and heart
- Allow the whole body to soften into the mat
- Stay here for 3–10 minutes, breathing slowly and deeply
- Opens hips, groins, and chest
- Encourages relaxation and emotional release
- Can ease menstrual discomfort and support digestion
- Promotes a sense of calm and stillness
- Place blocks, cushions or folded blankets beneath the upper thighs to support the legs and reduce the intensity of the hip opening.
- Use a bolster along the spine to support the upper body and create a more open position through the chest.
- Place a folded blanket beneath the head for additional support and comfort.
- If lying flat feels uncomfortable, use a bolster or folded blankets to gently elevate the upper body.
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Position two yoga bricks on either side of the body, using one brick as a base and resting a second diagonally on top to create an angled support for each leg. Allow the outer thighs to rest against the front of the angled bricks, helping the hips and inner thighs release without strain. A folded blanket beneath the head provides additional support for the neck, creating a comfortable, restorative variation for longer holds.
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Reclining onto a bolster in Reclined Bound Angle Pose creates a gentle chest-opening variation that feels both supportive and restorative. Placing a yoga brick underneath the bolster adds extra height and incline, allowing the upper body to soften gradually while encouraging a deeper opening through the chest and front of the hips. This setup helps reduce tension in the lower back and makes the pose more comfortable for longer, relaxed holds.
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Reclining onto a bolster supported by two yoga bricks in Reclined Bound Angle Pose creates a deeper, more elevated chest opener while still feeling fully supported. The added height encourages a greater stretch across the chest, shoulders, and front body, while a folded blanket under the head keeps the neck comfortable and aligned. This restorative variation allows the body to relax gradually into the pose, making it ideal for longer holds and deeper relaxation.
Ideal Props for Reclined Bound Angle Pose
Props can help the body feel fully supported in Reclined Bound Angle Pose, allowing you to soften and release without forcing the stretch. A bolster can support the spine and upper body, while yoga bricks and a folded blanket can provide additional support beneath the legs or head, creating more space and comfort throughout the pose.
